News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN & IBN7 bring you Open Mike
MUMBAI: As we approach the most crucial elections in the history of India, CNN-IBN and IBN7, with its legacy of inclusive journalism, recognize the role of the common citizen and the need to empower them with a voice. The channels have come up with a unique initiative called Open Mike that will give the masses a platform to voice their concerns, grievances, opinions, expectations from the upcoming General Election at a scale that has never been seen before.
Everyday a question revolving around key political issues, opinions, policies, reactions to proposals will be put forward on–air and on the network’s various online and social media properties. CNN-IBN and IBN7 will travel across different cities, to pre-selected locations, and capture the views and opinions from various people on the said question for an on-air play-out. Viewers will also be enabled to submit their videos, responses on the channel’s various web and social media interfaces. The property will get extensive play on the channels with special shows and segments through the day through the entire period of elections. The key motive behind this initiative is to empower the common man and enable them to actively participate in the discourse on Elections.
Speaking about the initiative, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN Network, said, “CNN-IBN and IBN7 have always followed a legacy of inclusive journalism. Taking this legacy forward at a very significant time in India, we have come up with the initiative ‘Open Mike’ to enable our common citizens to fully exercise their right to express their views and expectations from the government and help shape the future of our country.”
Don’t miss this special series starting from Monday, March 10th only on CNN-IBN & IBN7.
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.
