News Broadcasting
Time Warner evinces renewed interest in MGM
MUMBAI: After Sony made public its interest in taking over MGM, another media major has thrown its hat into the ring.
Time Warner, which had been mulling the possibility of joining forces with MGM in December 2003, is considering whether it would be prudent to renew discussions with the studio controlled by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian.
A report in the Wall Street Journal indicates that Time Warner executives are holding internal meetings to discuss the feasibility of putting forth an alternative bid. As was the case with Sony, Time Warner could use MGM to build its film library.
In India, that presents interesting scenarios. Firstly, Zee currently has a 50:50 JV with MGM. The question here is whether the merger would be disbanded should either Sony or Time Warner succeed. Secondly, it would be in HBO India’s interest if the deal with Time Warner was to go through, as Time Warner is one of HBO’s partners.
A report in Variety last year had indicated that Time Warner had been courting MGM since as early as 2002. At that time, Kerkorian was asking for around $ seven billion which Time Warner was finding difficult to meet on account of heavy debt, not least on account of AOL.
Another report in Reuters states that Time Warner’s current bid was being made in conjunction with private equity firm Thomas H Lee. Sony earlier had put the offer at around $ five billion. The report adds that while Time Warner already owns some MGM films, these date back to before 1948. The pre 1948 library had been bought by billionaire Ted Turner way back in 1986. A new deal would bring the James Bond and Pink Panther franchises under its belt.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
