News Broadcasting
CNN’s global audience to ‘Debate the Debate’ on presidential election
MUMBAI: News broadcaster CNN is doing a cross-platform initiative that enables its global audience to engage in a real-time online dialogue. The conversation can be held with other viewers and users as well as with select CNN contributors as they watch the upcoming presidential and vice presidential debates.
The live, interactive conversations called “Debate the Debate with CNN” kicked off during the first presidential debate on 26 September. It will take place on ‘The Forum’ which is CNN.com’s recently launched platform for social and political self-expression.
CNN.com senior VP, executive producer Rena Golden says, “’The Forum’ is quickly evolving into a community whose members are actively engaging in conversations about today’s hottest topics, in particular the fast-approaching presidential election,“The opportunity to host a real-time conversation among viewers during each of the upcoming debates is thrilling.”
To participate in “Debate the Debate,” online users must register as a member of ‘The Forum’. Upon registration, users are provided with simple tools for self-identification, social networking and community-building, including the ability to design a personalized virtual “badge” that graphically depicts their political passions and positions on top issues.
In addition to discussing the debate with other users, registered members of ‘The Forum’ get an opportunity to sound off with CNN contributors participating in the live, online conversation. CNN correspondent Candy Crowley, senior political analyst Bill Schneider, political analyst Mark Preston and political contributors Roland Martin and Leslie Sanchez are scheduled to engage in the community.
‘The Forum’ provides access to the most current election information, including detailed candidate profiles and platforms; examination of salient issues; an extensive video archive allowing users to hear from the candidates in their own words – raw and uncensored; and links to relevant political Web sites and other resources.
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.
