News Broadcasting
60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2012 (South)
Chennai: As Indian cinema turns a 100, Filmfare, which has chronicled that journey for the past 60 years, is proud of its long association with the South Indian film industry that continues to raise the bar with its creative, thrilling and exhilarating productions.
Once again, Filmfare is set to celebrate the Black Lady’s date with the South Indian film industry at the 60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2012 (South) to be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre on July 20, 2013.
Over the years, the award ceremony has grown into a star-studded extravaganza that generates some of the highest TRPs. The gorgeous stars on the red carpet, the scintillating performances and the suspense surrounding the potential winners make this an evening to watch out for.
Filmfare has always respected public opinion and this year too, readers and movie buffs nationwide have voted for their favourites across 10 categories each, in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. As the vote count continues, the nominees for the year will soon be chosen. A specially-appointed jury will pick the final winners from among nominees drawn from these responses.
The sensational Tamanna Bhatia, along with Mr. Tarun Rai, Chief Executive Officer, Worldwide Media and Mr. Rajat Mukarji, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Idea Cellular lit the lamp at a press conference to announce the date and venue of the 60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2012 (South).
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tarun Rai said, “This is a very special year for Filmfare as we are celebrating the 60th year of the Filmfare Awards. From just two awards in 1953 to the fifty one Black Ladies that we would be giving out this year, it has been a long journey. And to be able to have the awards every year for 60 years is a huge achievement. We respect the immense talent of South Indian cinema and I know that the industry here has huge respect for the Black Lady.”
Extending their association with the popular Filmfare Awards for another glorious year, Mr. Rajat Mukarji said, “South Indian Cinema has played an integral role in shaping the success of 100 years of Indian Cinema. In the 5th year of our association with Filmfare, we endeavour to reach out to a large number of subscribers and deliver rich content through mobile telephony in the region. At the forefront of communication, innovation and entertainment, the Idea Filmfare Awards is an endeavour to honour talent, innovation and excellence in cinema by the stalwarts of the industry.”
The Filmfare Awards (South) were first held at the prestigious Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, shifting later to the distinctive Music Academy. Initially, only Tamil and Telugu films were considered for the awards, but Malayalam and Kannada films became part of the event in 1966 and 1969 respectively. The spirit of the awards lies in their popularity not just among the masses, but also with the film fraternity.
The Black Lady is the ultimate recognition of talent.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
