News Broadcasting
Chandrasekhar acquires Asianet; network to expand into Kannada, Tamil
MUMBAI: Former BPL head honcho Rajiv Chandrasekhar has acquired a 51 per cent stake in Asianet Communications to become the chairman of the leading Malayalam television channel.
Chandrasekhar’s acquisition, made through group company Jupiter Entertainment Ventures (JEV), is part of its expansion plans, which include new satellite channels in Tamil and Kannada, a press release issued in Thiruvananthapuram states.
JEV also has plans to launch FM radio stations (under the Indigo brand name), the release says.
The Kannada channel is expected to be launched early next year, and work is on in full force, the release adds.
Once the statutory approvals are through, the remaining stake will be held between Raji Menon, the original promoter of the network, and Asianet managing director K Madhavan, with Zee Group holding a small 3% holding.
Though Menon will no more have any direct operational role in the network, he will reportedly retain a 26 per cent stake in the network. Madhavan will, however, continue as MD overseeing the current management team.
Asianet Communications operates three channels — Asianet, Asianet News and Asianet Plus for youth.
Chandrasekhar, who unlocked over Rs 12 billion by selling the telecom business he had built up to Hutchison Essar, has more than adequate cash reserves to make current southern media kingpin Kalanidhi Maran sit up and take note.
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.
