News Broadcasting
Three news channels likely to launch in November
MUMBAI: A fleet of news channels are set for launch in November, putting further pressure on an already crowded cable pipeline.
Sources say Times Now, a joint venture between Times Global Broadcasting Pvt Ltd and Reuters, is aiming to beam from 9 November. No official confirmation, however, was forthcoming on the date of launch. Said Times Global Broadcasting VP and business head Partho Das Gupta, “The date has not been finalized yet. But we are targeting to launch in November.”
Next up will be iBN, the Rajdeep Sardesai and Sameer Manchanda joint venture with TV18, which is targeting a 19 November launch. Broadcast News editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai says the launch is on course. “As I have always stated, the launch of the iBN will be somewhere in the last quarter of this calendar year. We are sticking to it.”
If this is going to set up the big stage battle among the biggies, Markand Adhikari is attempting to carve a niche space in the news segment with the launch of a “views” channel titled Janmat. The channel’s test signals are on. Says Sri Adhikari Brothers vice-chairman Markhand Adhikari, “The channel will be launched by the end of October or first week of November.”
Waiting in the wings are also India TV’s Gujarati news channel and NDTV Nation, a metro-centric channel. While the industry buzz indicated November as the launch date of NDTV Nation, a company source says it is put on hold. NDTV was not willing to disclose the exact date of launch. “No firm decision has yet been taken on the launch of NDTV Nation at the moment,” says an official spokesperson.
There is one thing that is dead certain for these new channels: a significant amount will go by way of carriage fees for proper placement of these channels. Industry estimates put the distribution cost for a news channel at somewhere around Rs 100-120 million.
The news channels are still in the process of sewing up deals with most of the cable operators. Admits Das Gupta: “Negotiations are on for channel placement.” Same is the case with iBN which wants to get colour or S-band carriage. Leading multi system operators say iBN’s proposals are under discussion. “We have made earlier commitments with other channels. We will have to see how we can dislodge some of them who do not stick to their terms. Alternately, the commercial terms of some other channels may be ending. We can open up these slots for the new channels. We expect carriage fee rates to go up substantially,” a senior executive of a leading MSO said.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
