News Broadcasting
BBC World Service introduces a new musical identity
MUMBAI: For the first time in over seven years the BBC has introduced a fresh musical identity to the BBC World Service.
Composer and musician David Lowe, commissioned to work as a composer-in-residence at the BBC’s famous Bush House studios, created the sounds that now introduce and accompany BBC programmes.
BBC World Service editor Steve Martin said, “We felt it was about time we gave the BBC World Service a contemporary and easily recognisable musical identity. We commissioned David Lowe and he worked very closely with journalists in the newsrooms and broadcasters heard on air everyday. Together they produced sequences which are a perfect fusion of David’s music and our presenters’ familiar voices.
“Some people may question why music is so important to a speech-led broadcaster but music speaks volumes about the personality of our radio station. The innovative musical beds will help listeners to identify and distinguish the BBC on what are increasingly cluttered radio air-waves across the world.”
Lowe said, “I really enjoyed being immersed in the BBC news rooms. I used to work in radio so I really felt at home in this environment. Just being in Bush House amongst people who are themselves creative was also inspirational. The studios are so well designed and wonderfully sound proofed, such a peaceful place to work. All in all a wonderful experience.”
His new music can now be heard at the top of each hour and throughout popular BBC news programmes including The World Today, Business Daily, World Briefing, World Have Your Say.
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.
