New Delhi : India Today Television, one of India’s leading English news channels, today announced the launch of its News Quiz Show- NEWS WIZ. The show will be hosted by the eminent journalist, anchor and author – Rajdeep Sardesai and has been designed by the renowned Indian television producer-director Siddhartha Basu of Kaun Banega Crorepati and Dus ka Dum fame.
A one of its kind show, News Wiz will see participation from students across the country from classes IX till XII. From an extensive list of 1500, 60 schools were shortlisted through an online test. The list was further trimmed to 27 schools who will participate in the 13 episode series featuring 3 teams consisting of 2 participants in each episode.
To make the format of the show more fascinating, the teams will be provided with a phone-in helpline where they can seek help on their answers from a journalist of the concerned field. The quiz show also has a Web Guide station where one team member can look up the answers and assist the other team member who will be attempting the question in an allotted time. Celebrities and News makers from all walks of life are also expected to be special guests during the shows.
Commenting on the launch of the new show, Kalli Purie, Group Editorial Director (Broadcast & New Media), India Today Group said “At India Today TV, we have always strived to introduce fresh and innovative content on the channel. Our aim is to encourage bright young minds to dig deeper, learn more and connect with the news on a much larger and wider scale.”
Commenting on his association, Siddhartha Basu, said “I am extremely happy to be associated with India Today TV, a channel for which I have great regard and look forward to a strong and fruitful relationship. Hosting and producing quiz shows has been an integral part of my life for over three decades. The launch of NEWZ WIZ is a major step that underlines the channel’s thought leadership and their consistent effort to break new grounds.”
Commenting on the launch of the new show, Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor, India Today Group said “The show is a first of its kind in the Indian news industry and it presents me with an exciting opportunity to become a quiz master for the first time in my journalistic career. The quiz show has a unique concept which is designed to educate and entertain the audience while keeping the focus on the ignited minds of the school going teenagers.”
The show is already garnering support of the advertisers and has ‘TATA Motors’ onboard as the Presenting Sponsor. Each episode of News Wiz will be an hour long and will air every Sunday at 11AM, starting 24th July.
