Tag: Trump

  • Media stocks hold the mic as markets crash in Trump tariff meltdown

    Media stocks hold the mic as markets crash in Trump tariff meltdown

    MUMBAI: Even as the Bombay stock exchange tanked five plus per cent  in the morning on Trump tariff meltdown Monday, Indian media and entertainment stocks shed just one to three per cent of their values at the time of trading at 3:30 pm. Sun TV was trading at Rs 638  a gain 0.83 per cent over  its previous weekend closing of Rs 632.75. TV Today network was up 1.65 per cent toto trade at Rs 160.40. On the flip side, a few media players were caught in the downward spiral. Entertainment Network India – the operator of Radio Mirchi – cut 2.06 per cent to stand at Rs 132.80. GTPL Hathway declined 3.69 per cent to Rs 105.75 even as Hathway dropped 3.16 per cent to Rs 12.58. Dish TV fell by 2.61 per cent to Rs 5.60.

    The advertising sector, however, bore the brunt of the market tremors. Advertising agency RK Swamy lopped off 10 per cent to trade at Rs 199.15 from its previous days closing of 223.50. Bright Outdoor clipped 4.36 per cent at Rs 449.50 as against Signpost which went negative to the tune of 7.36 per cent to trade at Rs 235.40. Innokaiz India dropped to Rs 13.56 with a 4.98 per cent fall. Maxposure saw a 5.76 per cent decline settling at Rs 57.30. Meanwhile, DAPS Advertising India saw a dip of 2.86 per cent to Rs 17.00. (At around 4 pm, may vary according to the market)

    Despite the broader bloodbath on Dalal Street, the relatively cushioned fall of media and entertainment stocks could indicate investor confidence in the sector’s long-term fundamentals, or perhaps just temporary insulation from global trade frictions. Either way, for now, the M&E sector is holding its script, even as the markets slip into drama mode.  

  • Broadcasting body blasts Trump as US pulls plug on Voice of America

    Broadcasting body blasts Trump as US pulls plug on Voice of America

    MUMBAI: In a move that has sent shockwaves through international media circles, the US administration yesterday effectively turned off the tap for its global broadcasting entities, leaving hundreds of Voice of America (VoA) staff high and dry on administrative leave.

    The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has condemned the 15 March decision, warning that silencing these influential voices could embolden dictators and deprive millions worldwide of trustworthy information in an era awash with fake news.

    “At a time when the world is looking to the US to be a global player for peace and freedom, cutting funding for US international media – one of the main instruments underpinning this goal – seems the wrong direction to take,” fumed AIB chief executive Simon Spanswick.

    For over 80 years, organisations like VoA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have served as America’s informational arsenal, piercing through censorship and state propaganda in the world’s most restrictive regimes. 

    These broadcasters have been the ears and eyes for countless people living under the thumb of authoritarian rule.

    The AIB warns this budgetary bombshell could trigger a domino effect of devastating consequences:
    * Authoritarian regimes may feel emboldened to tighten their grip on local media
    * Millions who rely on American broadcasts for unvarnished news may be left in the dark
    * America’s self-proclaimed commitment to press freedom risks appearing hollow on the global stage

    The timing couldn’t be worse, with disinformation campaigns running rampant across social media platforms and state-sponsored propaganda machines working overtime in numerous countries.

    The AIB is demanding an immediate U-turn on the decision, urging the US administration to restore funding and allow journalists to continue their critical work without political meddling.

  • Business news anchor Neil Cavuto says goodbye to Fox after 28 years

    Business news anchor Neil Cavuto says goodbye to Fox after 28 years

    MUMBAI: His is a familiar face if you watch Fox business news, in your hotel or when you are traveling overseas visiting relatives or friends or on business. Viewers will no longer get to see Neil Cavuto, one of the better known business news anchors, as well as the sr vice-president & managing editor of business news for both Fox News channel  (FNC) as well as Fox Business News (FBN)

    He also hosts  FNC’s Your World with Neil Cavuto, FNC’s Cavuto  Live and FBN’s Cavuto: Coast to Coast. In addition to anchoring daily programs and breaking news specials on FNC and FBN, Cavuto oversees business news content for both networks and leads special events coverage for FBN.

    Neil, 66,  announced his resignation on air during his afternoon show Your World, saying he was not leaving journalism, he was just leaving Fox.  One of the first anchors to join Fox News when it launched in 1996, he parachuted from CNBC to the Murdoch owned news station.  So he had been there for some 28-odd years.

    The bespectacled anchor used to host some 12 hours of shows every week, according to CNN. He was known to be a Trump critic and he would fact check almost every financial  and economic statement or assumption his administration or his staff would make. He believe his role as a journalist was to sift the wheat from the chaff and bring the truth to his viewers.

    But he lost a lot of his viewers – especially those who favoured the Republicans – because of his Trump trashing, though he also gained some praise from others who liked his penchant for facts.

    Trump celebrated his departure by stating: on his Truth Social platform “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA! Neil Cavuto, the Lowest Rated Anchor on Fox, by far, is leaving – Should have happened a long time ago!”

    According to sources, Cavuto was offered a renewal contract with a lower compensation packet, indirectly asking him to leave. Others see in it a way of cost-cutting in a news industry buffeted by lower ad revenues.
    “‘Neil Cavuto’s illustrious career has been a master class in journalism and we’re extremely proud of his 28-year run with Fox News Media,’ the company said in a statement confirming the Cavuto’s departure. ‘His programs have defined business news and set the standard in the entire industry.’”

    Most journalists are awaiting what his next move will be.