News Broadcasting
TRP scam: ED steps in to probe money laundering angle
NEW DELHI: It seems that the TRP manipulation scandal that has caused quite a stir in the Indian news broadcasting industry is far from done and dusted.
The case has now come under the lens of the enforcement directorate (ED), which has filed a case under PMLA and will be examining the money laundering angle in the alleged TRP rigging scam. All parties mentioned in the FIR registered by the Mumbai police will be investigated by the agency.
Earlier, the probe was transferred to the CBI after a case was registered in Lucknow’s Hazratganj police station based on the complaint of an advertising company promoter. As per the FIR, the primary allegations relate to manipulation of TRPs in return for payment.
Multiple parties including research agencies, rating agencies, news channels, and others have been snagged in the net cast by this case. There have been a series of FIRs, litigations, and lawsuits. Members of the companies being scrutinised under the investigation are being summoned to the crime branch to register statements and verify facts. In one instance, Bombay HC even directed crime branch officials to not harass employees of Hansa Research Agency.
The impact of the scam has been such that BARC has suspended the news broadcast ratings for a period of 12 weeks. The developments in the case have further divided the industry into factions.
The alleged TRP manipulation scam was first unearthed by the Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh on 8 October. Since then, charges have been flying thick and fast between one of the accused, Republic Media, and the law keepers. Singh during his press conference had stated three channels including Republic were involved in the rigging. However, the Arnab Goswami-led news broadcaster was vehement in its denial of any involvement, saying that the commissioner was indulging in a vendetta campaign. Goswami has been since then fighting the Mumbai police in the courts.
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.
