News Broadcasting
Zee meets but no deal on NewsX
MUMBAI: Subhash-Chandra promoted Zee Network has decided not to acquire NewsX after having met to explore possibilities of acquiring the English news channel.
NewsX would have offered Zee an entry into the English news channel business. The attraction of acquiring the loss-making channel at a low price and enjoying tax benefit initiated discussions for a possible deal.
“We met but are not acquiring NewsX,” a source familiar with the development said.
A deal for Zee makes sense if it comes at a very low valuation. Zee News Ltd, which runs a clutch of news channels including Hindi news channel Zee News, Zee Business (Hindi business news channel), 24 Taas (Marathi) and Zee 24 Gantalu (Telugu), has been mulling launch of an English news channel but has been cautious of not overstretching itself.
NewsX is currently owned by Nai Duniya owner Vinay Chhajlani and the former editor of Business World Jehangir Pocha, after they bought it in 2009 from INX.
Zee News Ltd. chief executive officer Barun Das did not want to comment on the issue.
The English news space is occupied by Times Now, NDTV 24×7, CNN-IBN and Headlines Today.
ZNL needn’t be in a hurry to have an English news channel as the market is bad. They are focused on their operating margins and they didn’t disturb that. Unless, of course, they get a channel to acquire at a lucrative price and benefit from taxes. They already have a studio and can cut down on costs while upping revenues from their bouquet strength,” said a media analyst.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
