Prasar Bharati has invited applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on the DD Free Dish DTH platform for the period April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The online e-auction process will begin on March 4, 2025, and is open to satellite TV channels with valid permission from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), including approved international public broadcasters. As per the guidelines, at least 75 per cent of a channel’s content must align with its declared genre and language, excluding advertisements. A review committee will assess any violations, and channels failing to comply could face removal. Broadcasters can request changes to their declared genre or language if necessary. Interested applicants must submit their applications online and pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs 25,000. Successful bidders will receive a Letter of Allotment and a payment schedule, with 15 days to sign an agreement and make the first installment payment. Channels must go live

CNN-News18 has recorded the highest viewership among English news YouTube channels, reaching 169.8 million views in January 2025, according to a report by Data Beings. The report highlights a 20 per cent increase in the channel’s monthly statistics, making it the top performer in the category. Following closely, Firstpost ranked second with 168.7 million views, also reporting a 20 per cent increase, while ANI News secured third place with 109.3 million views and a 13 per cent share of total viewership. CNN-News18’s growth has been attributed to its coverage of major events, including elections and global crises. The channel introduced special segments featuring in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews conducted by Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Palki Sharma. Their reporting, combined with a wide network of field correspondents, has contributed to the channel’s expanding digital reach.

Zee Business will host Budget Samvad 2025, a premier post-budget analysis forum in Mumbai, today (February 6, 2025).   The event will bring together top economists, financial experts, and industry leaders. It will offer expert commentary and in-depth discussions on the Union Budget’s key announcements and provide strategic recommendations for businesses, high-profile panel discussions, exclusive Q&A sessions and in-depth analyses of taxation policies, corporate growth prospects and infrastructure investments.     Anil Singhvi, managing editor of Zee Business will attend the forum alongside industry leaders and experts to analyse the budget’s impact on financial markets, MSMEs, technology and the startup ecosystem.   Reflecting on the significance of Budget Samvad 2025, Anil Singhvi, managing editor of Zee Business, stated, “The Union Budget sets the foundation for India’s financial future, and understanding its impact is critical for making informed decisions.

Delhi has voted, but with a voter turnout of just 60.5 per cent—one of the lowest in recent years—it’s clear that enthusiasm was lacking. Hot Off the Press The Hindu’s Satvia Mahajan and The Indian Express reported that this dip in participation raises concerns over voter sentiment, party mobilisation and whether governance fatigue is setting in. With results set to be announced on February 8, all eyes are on whether the BJP will finally break its 27-year losing streak in the capital, with major exit polls predicting a significant edge for the party. Meanwhile, election day was far from uneventful. The Times of India highlighted that two AAP MLAs were booked for separate incidents—one for alleged harassment, and another for violating the Model Code of Conduct—adding to the party’s mounting woes amid corruption allegations. Amidst the political chaos, history was quietly made. Hindu refugees from Pakistan exercised their voting rights in Delhi for the first time, t

Liz Hayes has announced that she will pursue new opportunities outside the 9Network after an extraordinary 44-year career. She contributed to 9News, Today, 60 Minutes, and Under Investigation with Liz Hayes through her tenure.  Although the network confirmed she would continue to make special appearances for "stories and events broadcast on the 9Network," Hayes' announcement is widely interpreted as a retirement from full-time work. Reflecting on her long career, Hayes said, “When I arrived at Nine I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories. I was blessed. I had found my tribe.” She also acknowledged the evolution of both the media world and herself, stating, “What hasn’t changed is the need for good stories to be told, and I will continue to tell them.” Hayes expressed gratitude for the relationships and experiences she gained over the years, saying,

Sharon Williams, founder of Taurus Marketing and the Taurus Academy, says she owes her Australia Day OAM to her ‘fabulous ancestors’, including a great aunt and her nana who founded a school to educate young women.  Williams first learnt she was being considered for the OAM honour several months before the announcement.  “The Governor General wrote to me about three or four months before asking if I would accept this honour if considered. That was overwhelming,” she said. “I was also somewhat embarrassed because I didn't know who had put me forward, It was all a big shock. And the minute I found out, I was told to put it out of my mind, not think about it, and not tell anybody.”  Williams discovered she’d been officially awarded the OAM a few days before Australia Day. When the list of honours was published on Australia Day eve, she received a late evening text message from her local MP, Tim James.  “The night before Australia Day, I was getting into bed, and

Asianet News Digital has partnered with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to provide coverage of the Maha Kumbh and facilitate the delivery of Prasad and Gangajal through ONDC’s platform. The partnership was announced on Asianet News Digital’s social media channels. As part of this collaboration, AsianetNews.com will offer real-time updates on Maha Kumbh rituals and discussions with spiritual leaders, scholars and devotees. A live banner on AsianetNews.com will direct users to ONDC’s network for easy access to services related to the event. Tapan Sharma, chief operating officer at Asianxt Digital, acknowledged Shireesh Joshi and Namrata Singh for their role in enabling the partnership.