News Broadcasting
ABP News rings in the Bihar Elections with iconic show, ‘Poll Khol’
As the preparation for Bihar Assembly Elections goes in full swing, ABP News is pulling out all the stops to ensure that the viewers get top-notch coverage on all political affairs of the state, in the most riveting way. In this light, the channel is all-set to commence another exciting season of ‘Poll Khol’, a satirical show on the current state of political affairs of the country.
Hosted by veteran Bollywood actor, Mr. Shekhar Suman, ‘Poll Khol’ has established itself an iconic election season property with a ‘no holds barred, light-hearted approach’ to Indian politics, over the last 15 years. While the show is extremely frolicsome in nature, its unfailing flair for satire and startling honesty differentiates it from other shows with a similar format.
In the new season, Mr. Shekhar Suman will bring out the comical aspects of the so called ‘serious political situations’ in his own inimitable way. Considering his affinity in the state of Bihar, ABP News has made the renowned Indian film actor, a pivotal part of the show, who promises to make this new season even more interesting through his wit and jocularity. Mr. Suman, who has been hosting the show since its inception in 2004, will provide a hard-hitting take on the key issues of the state of Bihar this year.
‘Poll Khol’ is another significant addition to ABP News’ comprehensive election programming which not only focuses on giving unparalleled access and insight to its viewers but also pays heed to the versatility of its content offerings, providing a unique and compelling viewing experience.
The highlights of the show are as follows:
Timings: 10:30 – 11 PM, Monday to Friday
Starts from 19th October, 2020
Periodically refreshed content featuring the trending political topics/issues of the week
On this offering, Mr. Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network said, “ABP News has always differentiated itself in the vast sea of content through an ingenious approach. As the political battle of Bihar comes close, we want to ensure a comprehensive viewing experience. We are sure that this year also Poll Khol will keep the viewers glued to their TV screens.”
News Broadcasting
Senior media executive Madhu Soman exits Zee Media
Former Reuters and Bloomberg leader says he leaves with “no regrets” after brief stint at WION and Zee Business
NOIDA: Madhu Soman, a veteran of global newsrooms and media sales floors, has stepped away from Zee Media Corporation after a short stint steering business strategy for WION and Zee Business.
In a reflective LinkedIn note marking his departure, Soman said his time within the network’s corridors was always likely to be brief. “Some chapters close faster than expected,” he wrote, signalling the end of a nearly two-year spell in which he oversaw both editorial partnerships and commercial strategy.
Soman joined Zee Media in 2022 after more than a decade abroad with Reuters and Bloomberg, returning to India to take on the role of chief business officer for WION and Zee Business. His mandate was ambitious: bridge the newsroom and the revenue desk while expanding digital and broadcast reach.
During the stint, Zee Business reached break-even for the first time since its launch in 2005, while WION refreshed programming and strengthened its digital footprint across platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
But Soman suggested the cultural fit proved uneasy. Describing himself as a “cultural misfit”, he hinted at deeper tensions between editorial instincts shaped in global newsrooms and the realities of India’s television news ecosystem.
Before joining Zee, Soman spent more than seven years at Bloomberg in Hong Kong as head of broadcast sales for Asia-Pacific, expanding the company’s news syndication business across several markets. Earlier, he held senior editorial roles at Reuters, overseeing online strategy in India and managing Reuters Video Services from London.
His career began in television and wire reporting, including a stint with ANI during the 1999 Kargil conflict, before moving into digital publishing as India’s internet media landscape took shape.
Now, after nearly three decades in broadcast and digital media, Soman is leaving Delhi NCR and returning to his hometown, Trivandrum.
Exhausted, he admits. But unbowed. And with one quiet line that sums up the journey: he didn’t sell his soul — because some things, after all, are not for sale.
