News Broadcasting
Jonathan Kingsbury to head BBC New Media’s external supply division
MUMBAI: UK pubcaster the BBC has announced that Jonathan Kingsbury who is currently the head of editorial affairs, has been appointed to head the external supply division of BBC New Media.
The new role will champion the cause of external suppliers to the BBC’s New Media division. As part of his role, Kingsbury will encourage the BBC’s commissioning teams to use external as well as internal producers; ensure independent companies are properly represented within the BBC and that commissioners are aware of new suppliers; and also collate feedback on the process from the BBC and the industry.
His role will involve overseeing the Approved Suppliers List (ASL), which is to be the prime resource for new media commissioning in future. BBC New media and technology’s business and finance director Sharmila Nebhrajani said, “I am delighted Jonathan is taking this key role, which helps us continue to build on the relationship we have with the external market and to enrich the content and services on bbc.co.uk.”
Kingsbury says, “I am delighted to be taking on the role of championing external suppliers and, importantly, making it easier for them to work with the BBC. The BBC’s objective is to achieve a significant diversity of supply, based on commissioning principles of openness and meritocracy. This will help the BBC in its mission to deliver high-quality and ever more innovative services to our audiences, while at the same time benefiting the new media industry.”
The appointment is one of the steps the BBC is taking in order to create a better relationship with independent companies, as part of its plan to meet its self-imposed target of 25 per cent of online applications being supplied by external suppliers.
The BBC has been working towards improving its relationship with new media companies. It has increased the amount it spends on external new media commissions by 30 per cent, to ?8 million, it has also created a ?750,000 innovation fund for independents.
In addition to that, the BBC organised four supplier events in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. The events, which have been well-received by the independent community, were designed to communicate the BBC’s new media strategies to the industry.
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.
