News Broadcasting
Walt Disney, Univision mull English news channel
MUMBAI: In an effort to keep pace with changing demographics among US Hispanics and reach a new audience of English speakers, Walt Disney Company is mulling with the idea of teaming up with Univision, the dominant Spanish-language broadcaster in the US, to launch an English-language cable news channel this year.
The new channel could combine the resources of Disney’s ABC News and Univision’s news division to rival established news entities like Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNN.
If the idea fructifies, the partnership could create a new name in cable news to compete with Fox News, CNN and MSNBC, the audiences of which have become more defined by their politics than ethnic origin.
The joint venture would allow ABC News and Univision to share newsgathering costs in the way that is practiced by NBC News and MSNBC.
Disney‘s ownership of ESPN Sports Network puts it as the strongest negotiating content company with cable and satellite operators. The Disney association would give the new channel a big advantage as it seeks distribution.
News of the talks between ABC and Univision was first reported by the Wall Street Journal after News Corp announced plans for a general interest free-to-air Spanish-language television network in partnership with RCN Television Group, the Colombian broadcaster.
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.
