News Broadcasting
US TV networks managing to improve diversity: report
MUMBAI: A multi-ethnic coalition has praised US TV networks for boosting the profile of Latino talent. On the flip side they still have a long way to go in terms of giving Asian Americans and Native Americans a fair representation
Each year American organisation The Multi-Ethnic Media Coalition issues a report card on how networks are representing minorities. This year the four major broadcast networks ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox all received A grades for their commitment to achieving racial diversity. Various pressure groups which have signed up to the Multi-Ethnic Media Coalition gave their verdicts on how they perceived minority races to be represented.
Fox came out on top for its new Latino-based sitcom Luis and the forthcoming comedy The Ortegas. It scored a B-plus for its overall progression towards multi-ethnic diversity for all cultures, and an A for its portrayal of Latinos, who make up 14 per cent of the US population.
The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition gave a less positive view of the inclusion of Asian Pacific’s actors. Although its head Karen Narasaki, praised the four networks with a “continuing commitment to trying to open up opportunities for minorities” she added that progress for Asian Pacific people had been slow.
“With the exception of NBC, the major networks have made almost no progress in providing greater opportunities for Asian Pacific American actorsThe problem of Asian and native Americans are that we’re seen perpetually as foreigners.” she said.
NBC has two Asian Pacific actors in leading or regular roles – Jodi Long on Miss Match and Lindsay Price on Coupling.
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.
