News Broadcasting
Vivendi posts narrower H1 net loss
PARIS: French media company Vivendi Universal posted a narrower first-half net loss thanks to fewer exceptional charges and rising operating profits at its telecoms and pay television units today.
The company, which has been divesting assets to cut debt and is in the midst of selling its US entertainment assets, reported a net loss of 632 million euros compared to a year-earlier loss of 12.31 billion euros. The figure however was worse than the 533 million loss expected by analysts.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com the company struck a deal with NBC to sell its Universal properties including the theme parks and television stations. The company’s size and shape has changed since the first half of 2002, making comparisons difficult, but the company reported a forecast-beating first-half operating profit of 1.677 billion euros which it said was up 20 per cent on a pro forma basis. Analysts had predicted a first half operating profit of 1.571 billion euros.
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.
