News Broadcasting
NDTV Hindu gains share, ropes in 15 advertisers
MUMBAI: NDTV Hindu, the Chennai-centric English news channel, has managed to rope in 15 advertisers including Aircel, Idea and Hindustan Unilever within four months of its launch.
The channel, which was launched on 16 May this year as a JV between NDTV and The Hindu, has garnered an average market share of 10.1 per cent in the Chennai city, according to NDTV Hindu MD and CEO Rajiv Lulla.
The channel was launched after a three-month research. “We realised that in Chennai, there is big appetite for local news and lack of alternatives. There are lots of regional news channels, but no English channel. So we have got the first mover advantage,” says Lulla.
Among other brands that have joined the channel are Univercell, Adani power, Star health insurance, BPCL, Pothy’s, RMKV, World vision, Nippon Paint, Suryadev, Nathella, Lalit Jewellery, and Sharon plywood.
The JV between the two groups works on multiple platforms. Apart from investments that both the parties have made, the two partners also work together on the editorial content. The channel airs a special show in weekends named Business Line.
On the marketing front, the channel partners with Hindu’s on-ground events.
NDTV Hindu has also joined forces with three FM channels and one out-of-home (OOH) media company for promotional events. “We have understood that these partnerships will help in symbiotic growth. There is no competition and both can co-exist,” avers Lulla.
As per current ratings, the channel has 16.3 per cent market share in the non-news/features segment.
The channel airs specials on the Tamil film industry, shopping destinations, latest trends, food joints etc. NDTV Hindu claims that its show Unlocking Lives tops the list of top 100 shows in the English news market in Chennai.
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.
