News Broadcasting
I&B steps up content regulation with directive on horrow show timings
NEW DELHI: Rapped by the government, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), an apex body of broadcasters operating in India, has formed a panel which will look into the slotting of horror shows on private satellite channels so that such shows are not easily accessible to children.
Reason: a missive from the Information and Broadcasting ministry on the issue of horror shows and their effect on children. The formation of the panel on horror shows – comprising Star India chief executive Peter Mukerjea, SET India chief executive Kunal Dasgupta and Sri Adhikari Brothers’ vice-chairman Markand Adhikari – also coincides with certain steps on content regulation that the Indian government proposes to take.
The Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the I & B ministry will be meeting tomorrow to discuss ways which can possibly give the government powers to control what it feels is undesirable programming on TV channels.
Broadcasting industry sources confirmed that the IBF has formed a panel to look into the issue of horror shows as it received a letter from the I&B ministry saying various representations have been made to it on rampant airing of horror and thriller shows during prime time which can have negative effects on children.
The sources indicated that the IBF panel might look at shifting such programming on to late night slots or at times when children are not likely to be watching television.
Programmes like Aahat and Achanak on Sony, Shhh…Koi Hai on Star Plus and Khauff on Sabe TV usually air at 9 pm or 10 pm on weekends currently.
The parliamentary panel tomorrow will discuss ways on how the government can enforce a control on content being put out on television channels, including commercials that have been termed objectionable like the Fair & Lovely cream ad – which, as per a petition to the I&B ministry by a human rights commission, promoted colour prejudice and is biased against the dark skinned girl child.
According to government sources, the move to get some hold over content on television also comes in the wake of frequent objections raised by members of Parliament on un-Indian like programming on the small screen.
Meanwhile, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) is close to finalising a programming code that is to be followed by the member-broadcasters.
According to early information available with indiantelevision.com, the IBF programming code, aimed at self-regulation, is a lengthy document running into almost 100 pages. It will be put up for the board’s approval once it is finalised.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
