News Broadcasting
Digital Video Recorders benefit hit shows and advertisments: US networks
MUMBAI: A new study conducted by executives from prominent US broadcast networks show that homes with Digital Video Recorders (DVR) watch significantly more television, and could increase the average primetime audience for a program by an average of 4 per cent. Interestingly, this is contrary to earlier claims that Digital Video Recorders would have an adverse impact on ad-supported television.
According to an official communiqué, released by DVR major Tivo, the networks highlighted multiple reports showing that DVR households watched 12 per cent more television, and that they are exposed to a greater number of commercial impressions. The results of these studies, though early, confirm what the networks’ own proprietary studies have found all along: DVRs increase the viewing of television’s most popular programming, as well as commercials, the release adds.
The study conducted by researchers from networks ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN and the WB highlighted the following:
1) When factoring in DVR usage, primetime programs increase their audience by an average of 4 per cent. This figure is based on a study conducted by Nielsen that examined DVR usage in seven major markets, including Houston, Tampa, Denver, Orlando, Charlotte, Raleigh and Austin – regions with large enough samples to report DVR usage.
2) Homes with DVRs averaged 5.7 hours of television viewing per day, compared to 5.1 from homes without DVRs. This represents a 12 per cent increase in the amount of time spent watching TV.
3) Additionally, the networks’ own proprietary research found that DVR viewers do pay attention to commercials, and that they show high levels of awareness/ recall on commercials they have fast-forwarded. Among the findings:
4) 58 per cent of DVR users pay attention to commercials even while fast forwarding
5) 53 per cent of DVR users have gone back to watch commercials they mistakenly skipped.
As per the study, the 10 most played back programs on DVRs were network television programs are:
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Survivor
3. CSI
4. Lost
5. American Idol
6. The Apprentice
7. 24
8. ER
9. The O.C.
10. Grey’s Anatomy
DVR penetration in US households now stands at 8 per cent, representing 11.4 million viewers. By 2010, that number is expected to grow to 39 percent, adds the official release.
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.
