News Broadcasting
TV18 announces holding company TV18 Network Ltd
MUMBAI: TV18 has announced consolidation of its media businesses, creating a group structure that is expected to unlock significant shareholder value. Hitherto, the Hindi consumer channel of the Group – “CNBC Awaaz” – and the proposed general news English Channel, were held in promoter entities and were legally not part of the listed Television Eighteen India Limited, due to government restrictions.
The current plan envisages consolidation of both of these channels into the listed entity structure and creation of 2 listed entities – the first one shall be the existing Television Eighteen India Limited, now holding both the business news channels, viz CNBC-TV18 and Awaaz, along with Moneycontrol.com and Commoditiescontrol.com; and a second listed holding company, illustratively titled TV18 Network Ltd, that will hold a 51 per cent plus stake in Television Eighteen India Limited, and a 51 per cent plus stake in the proposed general news Channels, informs an official release.
The restructuring will be achieved through a High Court process whereby the TV18 shareholder will automatically be allotted shares proportionately in the two entities and will now have a legal holding in both Awaaz and the proposed general news English channel, apart from his shareholding in the existing/listed TV18.
The restructuring enables TV18 to comply with the uplinking guidelines of the government, and is sought to be effected in a manner that fully and transparently captures economic value for the TV18 shareholder. The TV18 board has approved the restructuring plan. BMR & Associates are acting as overall financial and transaction advisors, while KPMG India Private Limited has provided indicative valuation guidance for the consolidation.
The new structure is expected to enhance the group’s ability to cater even better to the needs of viewers for accurate, timely and insightful news and information. This also provides the group a platform to embark upon its next phase of growth, having achieved a position of undisputed leadership in the business and consumer news space.
News Broadcasting
UDF poised to return to power in Kerala, says Manorama-CVoter survey
Massive opinion poll projects shift in Kerala politics ahead of 2026 Assembly elections.
MUMBAI: The winds of change appear to be blowing through Kerala’s political landscape and this time, they seem to favour the United Democratic Front. A comprehensive mega opinion survey conducted by Manorama News in partnership with CVoter projects a potential comeback for the UDF in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The survey, covering all 140 constituencies with a massive sample size of nearly 90,000 respondents, predicts the UDF could win between 69 and 81 seats.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to secure 57 to 69 seats, a significant drop from the 99 seats it won in the 2021 elections. This would mean the LDF losing 30 to 42 of its sitting seats. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which drew a blank in 2021, is projected to open its account with 1 to 5 seats.
Region-wise, the UDF is expected to make strong gains in Malabar, winning 25 to 34 out of 48 seats, and in Central Kerala, where it could bag 29 to 33 out of 53 seats. In South Kerala, the LDF is likely to retain an edge with 21 to 25 seats, while the UDF may improve to 12 to 16 seats. The NDA could pick up 1 to 3 seats in the southern region.
The survey was conducted between 14 and 26 March 2026, with additional tracker and snap polls carried out from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 89,693 respondents participated, ensuring representation across all demographics and social segments.
Manorama News has a strong track record of accuracy, with its previous projections closely matching the actual results of the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls.
In Kerala’s famously fierce political battles, this survey suggests the pendulum may be swinging back. Whether the final verdict matches these numbers or throws up another surprise, one thing is clear, the 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most keenly watched contests in the state’s history.
