News Broadcasting
‘Truthiness’, ‘Wikiality’ are top TV buzzwords of 2006
MUMBAI: Does American television influences English language? A question which has an answer as yes, to a great extent. “Truthiness” from the US television show Colbert Report was named the Top Tele Word of 2006 in the Global Language Monitor’s annual survey of words. This survey zeroes in on the words from American television that influence English language.
Another word, “Wikiality” from the same show followed “Truthiness”. And closely following these words were, “Katrina”, referring to the stories on television about the devastating destruction caused by the hurricane. “Katie” is another word in reference to US news anchor Katie Couric’s move into the top seat at CBS News, and Dr. McDreamy from ABC’s show Grey’s Anatomy.
Rounding out the top ten were “Bush’s War’, heard often on the news, “Man of the Hours” from the television show 24’s lead Keifer Sutherland, “Tourette’s”, from I have Tourette’s but Tourette’s doesn’t have me, “Dysfunctional” from another television show The Office. This year’s Bonus Phrase is ‘You’re going to Hollywood!’ from Simon Cowell’s American Idol.
Global Language Monitor president Paul JJ Payack says, “Television, once again, has helped to define our culture and its impact upon spoken English is profound. Some of these buzzwords will quickly pass, while others will be embedded in the language for years to come.
“Though ‘truthiness’ in some form has existed in the language for centuries, it could not have been revived in more relevant times than the early 21st century; while ‘Wikiality’ can be observed even today, where Pluto has been voted out of the Solar System by a convention of Astronomers.”
The Global Language Monitor analyses and catalogues the latest trends in word usage, their choices, and their impact on various aspects of culture, with a particular emphasis upon Global English.
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.
