News Broadcasting
Zee meets but no deal on NewsX
MUMBAI: Subhash-Chandra promoted Zee Network has decided not to acquire NewsX after having met to explore possibilities of acquiring the English news channel.
NewsX would have offered Zee an entry into the English news channel business. The attraction of acquiring the loss-making channel at a low price and enjoying tax benefit initiated discussions for a possible deal.
“We met but are not acquiring NewsX,” a source familiar with the development said.
A deal for Zee makes sense if it comes at a very low valuation. Zee News Ltd, which runs a clutch of news channels including Hindi news channel Zee News, Zee Business (Hindi business news channel), 24 Taas (Marathi) and Zee 24 Gantalu (Telugu), has been mulling launch of an English news channel but has been cautious of not overstretching itself.
NewsX is currently owned by Nai Duniya owner Vinay Chhajlani and the former editor of Business World Jehangir Pocha, after they bought it in 2009 from INX.
Zee News Ltd. chief executive officer Barun Das did not want to comment on the issue.
The English news space is occupied by Times Now, NDTV 24×7, CNN-IBN and Headlines Today.
ZNL needn’t be in a hurry to have an English news channel as the market is bad. They are focused on their operating margins and they didn’t disturb that. Unless, of course, they get a channel to acquire at a lucrative price and benefit from taxes. They already have a studio and can cut down on costs while upping revenues from their bouquet strength,” said a media analyst.
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.
