News Broadcasting
‘UK’s Ofcom model difficult to export to Asia’
HONG KONG: Do any industry players love their regulators? The answer, probably, is a big NO.
And, in return, a regulator should not expect love, but should have a relationship with a regulatee that is based on transparency and integrity, amongst other things. Ditto for a vice versa relationship.
This was the message that Kip Meek, senior partner for competition and content at Ofcom in the UK and chairman of the European Regulators’ Group said here today at the ongoing annual convention of Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa).
Speaking at session, aptly titled `How to love your regulator’, Meek also said that the Ofcom model of regulation is difficult to transport to other places; especially Asia. Reason? Ground realities may differ from market to market.
“Is the Ofcom model exportable (to Asia)?” Meek posed a question and answered in the negative.
Detailed regulation should follow on-ground realities, he explained, adding that content regulation in all countries cannot be the same.
For instance, he said, Ofcom is quite liberal in comparison to some other regulators in developed countries as far as content goes.
On cue, a majority of over 70 per cent in the audience voted against common regulatory standards in Asian countries, when asked to after Meek had finished speaking.
According to Meek, the phrase ‘light touch of regulation’ may also sound an absurdity though Ofcom in the UK regulates on three principles, which include unbiased and least intrusive regulation.
Meek also opined that a converged regulator is better placed to regulate in the present environment, provided it’s “truly independent and truly unbiased.”
“A fully converged regulatory model does work… but don’t go for harsh measures,” he said.
However, Meek felt there is a possibility of a converged regulator being considered too powerful.
Moral of Meekspeak: a regulator-regulate is not the usual run of the mill tale.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
