News Broadcasting
Arbitron, CBS Radio ink multi-year agreement for PPM ratings services
MUMBAI: Arbitron Inc. and CBS Radio have entered into a seven year agreement for Portable People Meter (PPM) radio ratings when the new audience ratings technology is deployed in the 35 CBS Radio markets encompassed in Arbitron’s previously announced PPM rollout plan.
Arbitron plans to launch the PPM system as its radio ratings service to the top 50 markets, beginning with Houston in July 2006.
CBS Radio chairman and CEO Joel Hollander said, “CBS Radio is counting on the PPM to enhance the value of both our programming and the audiences we reach in the eyes of our advertisers. We’re pleased to be the first major broadcaster to embrace the future by signing a contract for Arbitron’s next-generation electronic audience measurement system. Radio has been searching for a more accountable method to provide advertisers with valuable information about its listeners, and I’m confident that the PPM will be supported throughout the industry.”
“We are pleased that CBS Radio has signed a long-term agreement with Arbitron for PPM radio ratings. We view this agreement as an endorsement of our electronic measurement technology from one of our largest and most sophisticated customers. We look forward to continuing to provide CBS Radio with the information services to help it grow and manage its business for years to come,” said Arbitron Inc president and CEO Steve Morris.
The Portable People Meter, an electronic audience measurement technology that has been in US market trials since 2001, is scheduled to be used in the top 50 markets in place of the current paper and pencil diary method that the company has employed to collect radio audience estimates since 1965.
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.
