News Broadcasting
The Election Tracker
MUMBAI: As a run-up to the upcoming General Elections which are possibly the most crucial Elections in recent times, CNN-IBN & IBN7 are gearing up for their most exhaustive and comprehensive programming related to politics, politicians, elections and the expectations of the people from their leaders.
CNN-IBN & IBN7 began this massive effort with its first round of The Election Tracker in July 2013, which was a one-of-its-kind study that tested the mood of the nation on key governance issues and attempted to track the fortunes of key political leaders; eventually endeavoring to answer the BIGGEST QUESTION – Who will rule India for the next five years? Taking this elaborate study further in the recently concluded 5 State Assembly Elections, both the channels tried to answer all the questions related to the crucial state elections through the Pre-Poll and Post-Poll surveys.
The upcoming round of The Election Tracker on CNN-IBN and Agar Abhi Chunav Hon Toh on IBN7 scheduled from 20th January to 24th January, 2014 will see participation of approximately 17,000 respondents to be surveyed across 20 states with focus on social and political issues of national importance. Based on a rigorous methodology, this study will project voting patterns and likely outcome. The study will be conducted by the ‘Centre for the Study of Developing Societies’ (CSDS).
Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat, said, “It is widely believed that India conducts one of the most complex and arguably the most fascinating and exciting elections anywhere in the world. We believe in arming our viewers with extensive and accurate information related to our present political and social scenario, so that they can make informed decisions while voting and take our country forward in the right direction. The Election Tracker aims to do precisely this.”
Watch The Election Tracker on CNN-IBN and Agar Abhi Chunav Hon Toh on IBN7 from 20th Jan to 24th Jan, 2014 @ 8:00 PM.
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.
