News Broadcasting
Zee bags cricket rights, ESPN-Star loses out
Mumbai: Zee Telefilms Limited, Indias largest media and entertainment conglomerate today accepted the BCCI offer to increase the bid price to US$ 308 million, thus bagging the telecast rights for Indian cricket.
In lieu of the increase in bid price, BCCI has offered 144 days of International cricket, which is likely to go upto 160 days. This is against the earlier indicated offer of 108 days of international cricket for 4 years.
Expressing his feelings after winning the highest ever bid in the history of Indian cricket Subhash Chandra, Chairman Zee Network said, It is an overwhelming feeling to have finally been able to seal the deal which I always believed from the day one was legitimately ours.
Chandra, added, We did not get the schedule of cricket to be played until yesterday and so could share the schedule of payments with BCCI today. Considering all aspects we have accepted the new offer ensuring that the rights for the coveted series lie with the Indias largest media and entertainment conglomerate.
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.
