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NDTV with Vilasrao Deshmukh
July 15, 2006, New Delhi…In an exclusive interview to NDTV from Mahim railway station in Mumbai, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra talks about the efforts of the Maharashtra Police and the investigation process post the July 11 Mumbai blasts. “I think this time the whole police force is working in one goal.”
“As early as possible… If possible today even. I mean one cannot say…” assured, Vilasrao Deshmukh, when asked by Shekhar Gupta, Editor in Chief, The Indian Express and host of Walk the Talk, on when the investigating authorities would get a breakthrough.
On being asked whether he was concerned about a possible protest rally on Modi’s visit to Mumbai and whether he would welcome Modi, Vilasrao Deshmukh said, “We hope that, that will also not create any problem and we have warned the police also to be on an alert because see whatever we have achieved so far should not be lost”.
“If he behaves properly and does not create any more problem…I mean whatever we have achieved so far I think that should go on”, added Vilasrao Deshmukh.
Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra is interviewed by Shekhar Gupta, host of Walk the Talk, and Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express.
Watch the full interview with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh on Walk the Talk on NDTV 24X7 at 7.30 pm and repeat at 11.30 pm, Saturday, July 15, 2006 and repeat at 4.30 pm, Sunday, July 16, 2006.
People
BBC appoints Matt Brittin as 18th Director-General
Former Google EMEA president to lead broadcaster from May amid global change
LONDON: The BBC has named Matt Brittin as its 18th Director-General, placing a seasoned technology and media leader at the helm of one of the world’s most influential public broadcasters. He will formally assume the role on 18 May.
Brittin steps into the position after a brief “gap year”, as he described it, returning to the spotlight with a job that, in his own words, was “probably not one either you or I were expecting”. The appointment signals a strategic tilt towards digital expertise at a time when traditional broadcasting continues to evolve at pace.
The new Director-General brings more than 18 years of experience from Google, where he held several senior roles, including President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. During his tenure, he played a central role in expanding the company’s footprint across Europe and shaping its regional strategy.
More recently, Brittin served as Senior Independent Director at The Guardian, adding boardroom insight from one of Britain’s leading news organisations. His career also spans roles at McKinsey, Trinity Mirror and Sainsbury’s, giving him a broad perspective across media, retail and strategy.
The Director-General position carries dual responsibility as chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, overseeing the BBC’s creative, editorial and operational direction both in the UK and globally. It is a role that demands not just leadership, but a steady editorial compass in an increasingly complex media landscape.
“Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world,” Brittin said. He added that the broadcaster remains “an extraordinary, uniquely British asset” with a legacy of innovation in storytelling and technology.
His appointment comes at a moment when public service broadcasters are under pressure to balance tradition with transformation, navigating shifting audience habits, digital disruption and funding debates. Brittin’s blend of Silicon Valley scale and British media sensibility may prove timely.
With “big challenges and big opportunities” ahead, Brittin appears ready to get started. The real test begins in May, when he moves from anticipation to action at Broadcasting House.
