News Broadcasting

BBC gets into festive mood with ‘Shrek The Halls’

Published

18 years ago

December 10, 2007

MUMBAI: The loveable green ogre, and star of one of the most successful film franchises of all time, Shrek now comes to the TV screen in his first Christmas special for UK pubcaster The BBC’s channel BBC One.

BBC One will air Shrek The Halls on Christmas Eve. Just when Shrek thought he could finally sit back, relax and enjoy with his new family, the most joyous of all holidays arrives.

It’s Christmas Eve, and everyone is filled with holiday cheer, except for Shrek. He isn’t exactly the picture of yuletide joy, but for the sake of Fiona and the kids; he tries to get into the spirit of things as only an ogre can.

Unfortunately, everyone seems to have their own ideas about what Christmas is all about, so when Donkey, Puss In Boots, the Gingerbread Man and the whole gang try to join in on the fun, Shrek’s plans for a cosy family celebration end up spiralling into one truly unforgettable Christmas.

Directed by Gary Trousdale, Shrek The Halls stars the voice talents of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas, all returning to the characters they created and continue to bring to life in the trilogy of Shrek films.

With a screenplay by Gary Trousdale, Sean Bishop, Theresa Cullen and Bill Riling, Shrek The Halls is produced by Gina Shay and Teresa Cheng, with Aron Warner executive producing.

For director Gary Trousdale, it was an honour to be entrusted with “the crown jewels of the company. When people find out you’re at DreamWorks, that’s the first thing they ask you – ‘So, did you do Shrek?’ And now, to have the opportunity to add to the Shrek legacy … that’s really quite a thrill. It’s something else.”

Shrek’s evolution from motion picture to television screen is natural and seamless, according to producers Gina Shay and Teresa Cheng. Cheng, a longtime ‘DreamWorker’ said, “With Shrek The Halls, we approached it as a 22-minute film. All of the artistic quality that has made the three Shrek films so popular is present in this holiday special.”

Shay, a veteran of traditional and digital animation, with years of experience producing for Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount says, “The only difference, for us, is the size of the frame. We have a lot of the same animators and artists who worked on the three films working on this … and how could you even think about doing a continuing chapter in the story of Shrek without Mike, Eddie, Cameron and Antonio?

“All of the hallmarks of the feature films – the irreverent humour, signature characters, strong story, heart, great animation and production value – are all here. We wanted to create a story that goes beyond the expected Christmas situations and themes. Our hope is that it speaks to anyone who has ever held or witnessed a crazy family gathering.”

Much like the films, the centre of the story is a traditional one … only Shrek-ed up. Trousdale remembers, “When we were developing the story, we were sitting around trying to figure out what would make this holiday special … special. And the suggestion came up for us to tell Twas The Night Before Christmas – only in an ogre way. That was the kernel of our idea, which eventually grew.

“It’s about Shrek trying to have his own, special family Christmas, and because ogres aren’t usually big on celebrating, he tries to copy it from a textbook. Then, along the way, Donkey, Puss In Boots and the Gingerbread Man each tell their own versions of the story. They butt their way in, sort of saying, ‘no, no, no, you’re doing it all wrong – this is how you do Christmas’. Of course, each family does it differently, and each way is just as valid.”

Within Shrek The Halls, the man behind the ogre, Mike Myers, also found the themes of family particularly resonant: “The special is really about family, on many levels. I mean, I love my own family, and I love the values and the relationships present in the Shrek films. It’s ultimately about love: loving yourself, loving your family. It may sound a little trite, but families come in all shapes and sizes – sometimes your friends are your family, and your family are your friends.”

Eddie Murphy brings his trademark sparkle and sass to Donkey, who serves as both Shrek’s friend and advisor and sometimes biggest detractor. “Their friendship isn’t always smooth sailing,” notes Murphy. “But it isn’t ever really intentional. Donkey only wants to help. He’s an enthusiastic, eager guy, and he loves Christmas – for him, it’s the best thing ever.

“And that means it’s gotta be big, maybe even overdone. He wants Shrek to groove on Christmas just like he does, and he wants him to get it right … all for Shrek’s sake, of course. He’s gonna save the day and make it a holiday to remember for his best friend and his new family. Course, he comes on a little strong, like a freight train, and ends up running straight through the holiday. But it’s a train powered by love, you know?”

For Cameron Diaz, remembering the Christmas specials she grew up loving added to her joy in working on Shrek The Halls. She says, “I remember watching A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer every year when they came on. They were characters that you really loved … just like Shrek has become. I’m not sure if kids in countries outside of the US loved Charlie Brown or Rudolph like we did, but Shrek is known and loved around the world.

“And I think it’s wonderful to take that character and Princess Fiona and Donkey and Puss In Boots and everybody and put them in a holiday story. I think there are a lot of people who find themselves in the families we create as adults, who now have to forge their own traditions, and that’s what Shrek is doing. He has to accept who he is and be accepted for who he is – and a Christmas special is a perfect way to tell that story.”

In Shrek’s panic to come up with the perfect family celebration for him, Fiona and the babies, he is lucky enough to purchase the last available copy of Christmas For Village Idiots In Duloc.

When Donkey sees the swamp house decked out in garlands of swampland creatures and other “individual” touches, his somewhat commercialised sensibilities are shocked, and in his (and his friends’) efforts to “help” Shrek, they end up sabotaging all of the first-time father’s efforts.

“It literally becomes a madhouse Christmas … and it’s about Shrek learning that however disastrous anything turns out to be, it’s really about just being together – the good, the bad and the ugly – and him coming to terms with that,” concludes Trousdale.

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News Broadcasting

Barc forensic audit in TRP row awaits as Twenty-Four probe gathers pace

Published

4 weeks ago

February 4, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

KERALA: A forensic audit commissioned by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has emerged as the centrepiece of the government’s response to fresh allegations of television rating point manipulation involving a regional news channel in Kerala, with both the audit findings and a parallel police investigation still awaited.

Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L Murugan, said Barc had appointed an independent agency to conduct a forensic probe into the conduct of senior personnel allegedly linked to the case.

The move followed media reports claiming that a Barc employee had accepted bribes to manipulate viewership data in favour of a regional television news channel.

“The report from BARC is still awaited,” Murugan told Parliament, signalling that the forensic exercise remains ongoing.

Industry specialists say forensic audits are crucial in alleged TRP fraud cases, as they examine internal controls, data access trails, panel household integrity, staff communications and financial transactions. The outcome could determine whether the alleged manipulation was an isolated breach or a deeper systemic weakness in India’s television measurement framework.

Running alongside the audit, the Kerala Police has formed a special investigation team to probe the allegations. The ministry has sought a preliminary report from the state’s director general of police, including details of action taken on the first information report. That report, too, is yet to be submitted.

The episode has revived long-standing concerns over the vulnerability of India’s TRP system, particularly in regional news markets where competition for ratings is fierce and advertising revenues hinge on weekly viewership rankings.

India’s sole television audience measurement body Barc, has faced scrutiny before, most notably during the nationwide TRP controversy involving news channels in 2020. While tighter compliance norms were introduced in the aftermath, the latest allegations suggest enforcement challenges may persist.

On regulatory consequences, the government said any punitive action against television channels, including suspension or cancellation of uplinking and downlinking permissions, would be governed by the Policy Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels issued in November 2022, and would depend on investigation outcomes and due process.

The ministry also pointed to ongoing efforts to overhaul the ratings ecosystem. Television measurement continues to be regulated under the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, 2014. Draft amendments were released for public consultation in July 2025, followed by a revised version in November 2025, aimed at tightening audit mechanisms and improving transparency and representativeness.

In November 2025, Barc said it had taken note of allegations aired by Malayalam news channel Twenty-Four, which linked an internal employee to irregularities in audience measurement. The council said it had engaged a “reputed independent agency” to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit, underscoring the seriousness of the claims.

The ratings system sits at the heart of India’s broadcast advertising economy, shaping billions of rupees in annual ad spends. With trust in audience data once again under strain, advertisers, broadcasters and regulators are closely watching the outcome of the investigations.

Barc has urged industry stakeholders and media organisations to exercise restraint while the probe is underway, calling for an end to “unverified or speculatory claims” and reiterating its commitment to integrity and accountability.

Until the forensic audit and police findings are submitted and reviewed, the government said it would refrain from drawing conclusions.

News Broadcasting

Rajat Sharma defamation row: Delhi court summons Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh

Published

4 weeks ago

February 4, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has ordered the summoning of senior Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh in a criminal case filed by veteran journalist Rajat Sharma, sharpening a legal battle over alleged defamation and doctored digital content.

The order was passed on Monday by Devanshi Janmeja, judicial magistrate first class at Saket Courts, after the court found prima facie grounds to proceed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including forgery, creation of false electronic records and defamation.

Sharma, chairman and editor-in-chief of India TV, had approached the court over allegations made in June 2024 that he had used derogatory language against Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak during a live television debate. He denied the charge, claiming it was fuelled by a manipulated video circulated online.

According to the complaint, a clipped version of the broadcast carrying superimposed captions, which were not part of the original programme, was first shared on social media platform X by Nayak and later amplified through retweets and public statements by Khera and Ramesh. Sharma said the viral spread caused serious reputational harm and personal distress.

The court took note of forensic science laboratory findings that pointed to visible post-production alterations in the video, including added titles and captions. It also cited witness testimonies from those present during the live broadcast, who stated that no abusive or objectionable language had been used.

In a related civil matter, the Delhi High Court had earlier observed a prima facie absence of abusive remarks and directed the removal of the disputed social media posts.

With criminal proceedings now set in motion, the case adds to mounting scrutiny around political messaging, digital manipulation and accountability on social media platforms.

News Broadcasting

Mukesh Ambani, Larry Fink come together for CNBC-TV18 exclusive

Reliance and BlackRock chiefs map the future of investing as global capital eyes India

Published

4 weeks ago

February 4, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: India’s capital story takes centre stage today as Mukesh Ambani and Larry Fink sit down for a rare joint television conversation, bringing together two of the most powerful voices in global business at a moment of economic churn and opportunity.

The Reliance Industries chief and the BlackRock boss will speak with Shereen Bhan, managing editor of CNBC-TV18, in an exclusive interaction airing from 3:00 pm on February 4. The timing is deliberate. Geopolitics are tense, technology is disruptive and capital is choosier. India, meanwhile, is pitching itself as a long-term bet.

The pairing is symbolic. Reliance straddles energy transition, digital infrastructure and consumer growth in the world’s fastest-expanding major economy. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, oversees more than $14 tn in assets and sits at the nerve centre of global capital flows. When the two talk, markets tend to listen.

Fink’s appearance marks his third India visit, a signal of the country’s rising strategic weight for the Wall Street-listed firm, which carries a market value above $177 bn. His earlier 2023 trips included an October stop in New Delhi, where he met both Ambani and Narendra Modi.

India is now central to BlackRock’s expansion plans, notably through its joint venture with Jio Financial Services. Announced in July 2023, the 50:50 venture, JioBlackRock, commits up to $150 mn each from the partners to build a digital-first asset-management platform aimed at India’s swelling investor class.

The backdrop is robust. BlackRock ended 2025 with record assets under management of $14.04 tn, helped by $698 bn in net inflows, including $342 bn in the fourth quarter alone. Scale gives Fink both heft and a long lens on where money is moving.

He has been openly bullish on India. At the Saudi-US Investment Summit in Riyadh last year, Fink argued that the “fog of global uncertainty is lifting”, with capital returning to dynamic markets such as India, drawn by reforms, demographics and durable return potential.

Expect the conversation to range beyond balance sheets, into technology’s role in finance, access to capital and the mechanics of sustainable growth in a fracturing world order. For investors and policymakers alike, it is a snapshot of how big money is thinking about India.

At a time when capital is cautious and growth is contested, India wants to be the exception. When Ambani and Fink share a stage, it is less a chat and more a signal. The world’s money is still looking for its next big story, and India intends to be it.