News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 Wins Big at the 23rd Asian Television Awards 2018
MUMBAI: In line with CNN-News18’s commitment to outstanding journalism, the channel has, once again, been recognized for its exceptional efforts. At the prestigious 23rd Asian Television Awards held in Malaysia, Zakka Jacob, Editor – Output, CNN-News18, has been awarded Best News Presenter for channel’s primetime show – Face-Off Tonight. Along with Zakka, channel’s renowned year-end exclusive chat show series The Bollywood Roundtable hosted by Rajeev Masand has also received the award for Best Talk Show.
Over the years, Zakka has become one of the most credible voices in the highly competitive primetime English news genre. Breaking the clutter, Zakka, with his assertive yet calm demeanor, and sharp questions, provides viewers with nuanced perspectives and substantive analysis. He has over 15 years of experience, anchoring and covering some of the most defining news stories of the last decade.
Hosted by Rajeev Masand, The Bollywood Roundtables features India's finest actors, actresses, and directors who come together to discuss, debate and decipher the art of movie making along with the latest trends in the entertainment industry.
On winning the prestigious award, Rajeev Masand thanked all the filmmakers, actresses, actors and everyone who made Bollywood Roundtables such a huge success.
Zakka dedicated this award to the former Managing Editor of CNN-News, late Mr. Radhakrishnan Nair. On receiving the award he said, “I am truly honoured and blessed to receive the Award for Best News Presenter at the Asian Television Awards for a second time. I would like to dedicate this award to Mr. Radhakrishnan Nair. He was a very close friend and mentor who passed away last year. He taught us to bring forth the best analysis and most credible opinions for our viewers. At CNN-News18, we continue to embody these values to keep up with our exceptional journalistic standards. ”
Launched in 1996, Asian Television Awards is Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognizing excellence in programming, production, and performance. Asian Television Awards is positioned as the only event of its kind within the Asian region and has a reputation of showcasing the best in class quality television production.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
