News Broadcasting
PBS Kids selects first-ever live host of new preschool block
MUMBAI: PBS Kids has its first-ever live host — Chicago-based performer, teacher and mom Lori Holton Nash — for its new preschool destination, which will launch on 4 September.
As the new host, Nash and an animated sidekick will guide kids through a two-hour programming block for preschoolers. The new block will feature four PBS Kids programs age- appropriately grouped including PBS Kids’ two new series — Curious George, emphasising science, math and engineering and narrated by Emmy-winning actor William H. Macy, and It’s a Big Big World, highlighting science and geography — alongside existing shows like Clifford The Big Dog and Dragon Tales.
“Based on research PBS conducted with parents we identified valuable content that parents feel is missing from children’s media today, including positive real adult role models and opportunities to connect lessons learned from programming to kids’ lives. PBS Kids new preschool destination will meet parents’ needs by introducing Lori, a host who has a passion for children and a unique and engaging teaching style that incorporates humor, music, movement and storytelling,” said PBS Kids Next Generation Media senior vice president Lesli Rotenberg.
After an extensive nationwide talent search, PBS Kids named Nash as the host of its new preschool block to inspire and entertain kids in a playful setting designed to spark kids’ imaginations, give them a greater sense of discovery and build their excitement for learning about the world around them. In addition to her on-air and online presence, she will make appearances at various events across the country, visiting local PBS member stations and participating in children’s events.
“I’m extremely excited to be named PBS Kids’ first-ever host. Performing and educating is not just what I do, it’s who I am and I look forward to reaching out to children across the country through the most trusted kids content source, PBS Kids. I grew up watching PBS’ children’s programs and today, I am raising my own kids as PBS Kids,” said Nash.
In addition to Nash’s broadcast debut, the new block will feature the premiere of Curious George. Produced by Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal Studios Family Productions, and based on the best-selling Curious George books. The series encourages inquiry and curiosity, promotes hands-on exploration, and shows parents and caregivers how to support children’s science and math-related play.
PBS Kids new hosted preschool destination is one part of PBS Kids Next Generation Media, a broad-based initiative to define public television’s role in the changing digital children’s media landscape.
In addition to the launch of the new preschool environment, PBS recently announced a new 24/7 early elementary school digital broadcast service, PBS Kdis Go! Channel, scheduled to launch in October 2006 and delivered to the community through local PBS stations, which will meet the educational and developmental needs of this underserved audience.
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.
