MUMBAI: Following the kick-off party at South by Southwest (SXSW) for the upcoming miniseries event The ?80s: The Decade That Made Us, US infotainment broadcaster the National Geographic Channel (NGC) has announced that Emmy-nominated actor Rob Lowe will narrate the six-part cultural programming event that offers an unprecedented look at the moments, trends, inventions, and culture that have shaped our world today.

In addition, the network also announced that the six-part series will roll out over three nights in the US, from 14 April, and globally on the National Geographic Channel this year in 171 countries and 38 languages.

The broadcaster adds that ?The ?80s: The Decade That Made Us? isn?t about nostalgia; it?s about the history of our modern world that spawned political, technological, cultural and social revolutions that began in the United States and went on to dominate the world. This cultural programming event is the defining biography of a generation. It?s about a decade of people, decisions and inventions that changed our future, told from the perspective of the unknowing history makers who lived these iconic moments.

We worked out, worked harder, played harder and consumed more - because the 1980s was the decade when we went forward to the future. The first launch of the Space Shuttle triggered a technological explosion in global communications that gave birth to our modern love affair with smartphones; Madonna rolled around on stage in a wedding dress, sending shock waves through a celebrity-hungry world that can?t get enough of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry today. These and other incredible stories reveal surprising, unexpected details and twists and turns from a decade you only thought you knew.

Lowe said, "National Geographic Channel is a leader in creating engaging and relevant programs that viewers can trust. This series is a unique and provocative look back at one of the most exciting and revolutionary periods in American history."

NGC executive VP programming Michael Cascio said, "Rob Lowe is one of today?s most enduring actors, and his films from the 1980s were among the most popular of the decade, with the ?Brat Pack? films setting a new standard for the teen movie genre. He is the perfect narrator for this series and his voice brings to life the triumphs, challenges, and effervescent spirit of this bright and important time."

MUMBAI: The ailment of newspapers in the US continues. After emerging from a four-year old bankruptcy last year, Tribune Co., the company that operates 23 television stations and eight newspapers, has decided to put its newspaper business on the block as it seeks to put more focus on its television business.

The company has mandated investment banks Evercore Partners and J.P. Morgan to find buyers for its newspaper business which includes Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune.

Rupert Murdoch?s News Corp. and BH Media Group, a subsidiary of billionaire Warren Buffet?s Berkshire Hathaway, are believed to be possible bidders for the newspaper assets.

"There is a lot of interest in our newspapers, which we haven?t solicited," Tribune said in a statement. "Hiring outside financial advisers will help us determine whether that interest is credible, allow us to consider all of our options, and fulfill our fiduciary responsibility to our shareholders and employees."

The company?s broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable and Chicago?s WGN-AM.

MUMBAI: The Board of Directors of Raj Television Network has approved the opening of subsidiary or branch offices in US and European markets and other Asian Countries.

The board has also authorised the Raj TV MD M Rajhendharan to explore the various opportunities and avenues for fund raising plans to cater to the ambitious growth plans of the company.

Raj Television Network has posted a standalone net profit of Rs 32.4 million for the quarter ended 31 December compared to Rs 20.5 million in the same quarter of previous fiscal.

The company?s net income from operations during the quarter was Rs 174.6 million compared to Rs 139.4 million. Expenditure rose to Rs 133.8 million from Rs 113.6 million due to jump in cost of revenues.