News Broadcasting
Viacom consolidates CBS, Paramount operations
MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viacom has announced the promotion of key executives to new roles at CBS and Paramount Network Television. This will create a new management structure that will transform CBS’ programming operations.
In the reorganisation, CBS Productions, which has been instrumental in the production of virtually every hit programme on CBS, will be merged into Paramount Network Television. The new entity will be based at the Paramount Studios and will keep the Paramount name. However, the CBS Productions brand will still be utilised for certain programmes.
Making the announcement, Viacom co-president and co-COO Leslie Moonves who also serves as CBS chairman said, “We have got the greatest group of assets ever assembled to serve television viewers across all platforms. This reorganisation helps us make the most of that portfolio of properties. The good news is that we’ve got the best people in the business to lead us into the future.”
Nancy Tellem, who has served as CBS Entertainment president has been promoted to the newly-created post of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group president. She will oversee operations at CBS Entertainment and Paramount Network Television. This includes development, programming, production, legal and business affairs.
In the past she oversaw the development of shows like CSI, Survivor and the comedy Two And A Half Men. Nina Tassler will succeed Tellem as CBS Entertainment president. Tassler was heading drama development for the Network.
In her new post, Tassler will oversee Network programming for prime time, late night and daytime, as well as program development for all genres, including comedy, drama, reality, specials, movies and mini-series.
David Stapf is the president of the new, combined Paramount Network Television unit. Stapf has served as head of current programming at CBS since July 1999,
Moonves added, “Nancy Tellem is one of the very best strategic, business and programming minds in our industry. She is also a peerless manager of people, and one of the most-respected and well-liked executives in this business.
“She has an intuitive understanding of how the creative and business process work together to create success, and has been one of the main factors that has made our turnaround at CBS a reality.”
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.
