News Broadcasting
Its Mipcom time again
CANNES: Frenzy marks Nice Airport as staff is in a tearing hurry to attend to the 1,200-odd delegates who’ve flown in from 60 countries across the globe to participate in the world’s largest content fair.
Indeed, the city of Cannes is draped in finery as it gears up to host Mipcom 2013 and Mip Junior – the biggest event(s) in the television trade.
Flagging off the extravaganza on 5 October at the Carlton is Mip Junior; a two-day content sale market-cum-conference whose focus is children’s content.
A significant precursor to Mipcom, Mip Junior sees influential international buyers, sellers and producers of kids’ programmes converge to present, screen, license, discover and acquire the latest content. A platform that aims to offer maximum exposure to all participating companies, while focussing on new opportunities, business models and challenges facing the creative world, Mip Junior is a huge draw. Statistics-wise, 520 buyers, 44,000 screenings, 1,000 programmes and 700 companies certainly make it a not-to-be-missed event.
This year, the who’s who of the animation industry will be in attendance, both their ongoing and upcoming shows in tow. So while, there will be Unicorn Black with Burka Avenger and Marvista Entertainment with Digimon and Power Rangers, they will share space with say a Kumanta Animation Studios that is bringing its all new Miles and Stones to Mip Junior.
What’s more, a special workshop will be held on the first day to offer insights to producers and distributors as to how to make the most of the mainstream online platform.
Day One of the 2013 edition will also see the return of the international competition for newest projects created for children. In the race are Being Zeth by Source Animation, India; Goris the Gorilla by Split, Brazil & Gong, Chile; Koouka by Aldebaran Distribution and Vallaround, Italy; Nelly and Nora by Geronimo, Ireland and The Little Train Choo Choo by JM Animation, Korea.
Add to all this, participants will get an opportunity to understand and unveil new trends in kids’ content in Russia. Not to mention, Argentina, the country of honour this year, will be partnering with the Argentine National Film Board to showcase original animation, live action and digital series produced by independent Argentina-based producers.
In case you thought a day of showcasing, networking, buying and selling was it, no way… Reed Midem hosts a night party to present Argentina as this year’s country of honour. So, time to get your LBD and dancing shoes out…
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.
