News Broadcasting
Finance Minister’s interview on Headlines Today leads as the No.1 FM Interview
MUMBAI: Headlines Today dominate the FM interview ratings in the English News genre with Karan Thapar’s, ‘Nothing But The Truth’ special show. The channel took coverage around the Budget to new levels with the show hosted by Karan Thapar, leaving interviews of the FM across other channels far behind.
The Finance Minister faced a slew of blunt questions and direct concerns around the Budget on the show. The candid responses by the FM on the criticisms and the clear cut interviewing style of Karan Thapar ensured that viewers got their fill on all news and views around the Budget. The show led with over 13 TVT 000s (Source: TAM, Market -6 Metros, TG- CS 25+ M AB).
Karan Thapar among the most respected journalists stands out for his unique and direct interviewing style. He has interviewed the biggest names in News and brings with him, his expertise in hard hitting One- on-One interviews. This interview with the FM, besides a series of other prominent interviews has carved a position for the hard hitting interview show – ‘Nothing but the Truth with Karan Thapar’.
Maximum Ratings of Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley’s interview across English News Channels
1.Source: TAM, Market -6 Metros, TG- CS 25+ M AB
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2.Source: TAM, Market All India, TG- CS 25+ M AB
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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. 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.
