News Broadcasting
BT announces deals for next gen TV with BBC Worldwide, Paramount, Warner
MUMBAI: British Telecom (BT) has announced deals with three entertainment companies, BBC Worldwide, Paramount and Warner Music Group.
The agreements bring the launch of BT’s TV over broadband service an important step closer. Starting next year, BT says that its service will combine access to digital terrestrial channels, an extensive video on demand library and a range of interactive services.
BT Retail CEO Ian Livingston said, A partnership between the country’s leading communications company and three of the worlds leading entertainment groups is great news for consumers in the UK. I am delighted that BBC Worldwide, Paramount and Warner Group share our vision. Our customers will be able to enjoy enhanced TV services and easy access to a wealth of interactive content and new services straight to their TV. Whether you are a music fan, love films or hooked on drama you will get the best in entertainment when you want it. BT is defining next generation TV .
BT’s next generation TV service will include entertainment on demand a library of movies, TV and music all available instantly; catch-up TV programmes from the previous seven days broadcast schedule will be available on demand without the need to record; flexible payment no mandatory subscriptions; pay-per-view options; a personal video recorder capable of storing up to 80 hours of programming; more than 30 digital terrestrial TV channels; communication services such as instant messaging, chat and video telephony on TV and interactive services such as online games, retail opportunities and community services.
BT further says that it the only company in the UK committed to providing such a service across the country. BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith, said, With video on demand rapidly shaping the future of television, we are very pleased to be part of BTs TV service from the outset, providing subscribers with blue chip programmes and high quality viewing.
Warner Music UK chairman Nick Philips says, “We are pleased to partner with BT as the first music provider to this innovative distribution service. Industry leading agreements and unique partnerships like the one we announce today are an important component of Warner Music’s global strategy to become a multifaceted, music content company.
The agreement with Paramount provides BT with Paramount’s blockbuster films in the pay-per-view window as well as an extensive range or older and classic films from the Paramount movie archive, all on demand.
The announcement follows BT recent agreements with Phillips to supply the set top box which will deliver the high definition services and an alliance with Microsoft. This will provide Microsoft TV IPTV Edition as the software platform.
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.
