News Broadcasting
CNN : Food for thought
MUMBAI: CNN International show ‘Global office’ sees the innovative business show setting its sights on one of the few industries that can boast of year on year growth: the food and drinks business. In this episode, CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout looks at the one of the fastest growing sectors of the food industry, the reinvention of a centuries-old beverage company, and one man who is looking to preach his culinary gospel beyond his home shores.
Eating healthily has turned organic farming into a hugely lucrative industry, with global sales of organic food approaching US$ 40 billion a year. Global office looks at how major supermarket chains are taking advantage of the organic trend and assesses whether it is driven by altruistic goals or pure profit.
From there the show visits the headquarters of the largest beverage company in the world. Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks manufacturer, whose brands include Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Baileys and Crown Royale, and Global office spends time with CEO Paul Walsh to discuss the delicate balancing act that is marketing the company’s alcoholic brands, and promoting sensible drinking.
After five cookbooks, three hot restaurants and a globally syndicated cooking show, Australian celebrity chef Bill Granger is ready to take the world by storm. Bill is now looking to expand his brand beyond the shores of his home country; and he’s set his sights on the country where his passion for food began: Japan. But will diners there be enraptured by Bill’s creations? Global office finds out.
Airtimes: India
Sat, February 17 at 1400 and 2000
Sun, February 18 at 0100 and 1800
Mon, February 19 at 1200
Thurs, February 22 at 2000
Fri, February 23 at 1200
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
