News Broadcasting
Viacom reorganises its operations
MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viacom’s co COO Tom Freston has announced reorganisation of operations under his leadership.
This includes the company’s book publishing, theatrical exhibition, music publishing, theme park, licensing and merchandising, and international cable network businesses. Freston also oversees the operations of MTV Networks, BET, Showtime and the Paramount Motion Picture Group. Freston and Leslie Moonves were appointed co-presidents and co-COOs last month.
Freston announced the appointment of Bob Bakish to the newly-created position of executive VP, operations. In his new role, Bakish will have direct operating responsibility for the company’s theatrical exhibition businesses, including the Famous Players Canadian theatre circuit, as well as the company’s music publishing unit, Famous Music. In addition, Bakish will assist Freston in setting development and budget objectives. He will also help identify key operational, financial and strategic issues for the operations that report to Freston.
Reporting to Bakish are Robb Chase who is Famous Players president and CEO and Irwin Robinson who serves as Famous Music president.
Bakish was formerly MTV Networks ad sales executive VP and COO. He will assume his new role after the transition of his duties at MTV Networks.
Viacom’s interests in movie theatres, theme parks and music publishing were previously part of Paramount Enterprises, a unit of the Viacom Entertainment Group.
Tom McGrath who served as Viacom Entertainment Group executive VP and Paramount Enterprises president will leave Viacom. He will stay on for an interim period to assist in the transition process.
MTV Networks Group president Herb Scannell will assume the additional responsibility of managing Paramount Parks and Viacom Consumer Products operations. This includes the merchandising and licencing of Paramount entertainment characters and properties. Paramount Parks and Viacom Consumer Products will be integrated into Nickelodeon Enterprises.
MTV Networks International president Bill Roedy will take on the additional oversight for Paramount Comedy Channel, UK and Paramount Comedy, Spain,
Freston added, “This announcement is about two things. First, we want to get the focus of the Paramount Motion Picture Group onto the central task of movie making. Sherry Lansing and I are in complete agreement about this. Secondly, we are reorganising Viacom’s assets around core strengths in the Company to create a less duplicative and more efficient structure.”
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. 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.
