News Broadcasting
Maa TV plans to raise Rs 300 mn; to launch music channel
MUMBAI: Maa TV Network Ltd, which operates a telugu general entertainment channel, is in talks with a group of investors to raise Rs 300 million through preferential allotment of shares.
In the expanded equity, founder-promoter Murali Krishna Raju is willing to bring down his stake from 85 per cent to 50 per cent. The holding of the other promoters may reduce from 15 per cent to 7.5 per cent, a source close to the company says.
The company has plans to launch a music channel and also spruce up programming on Maa TV. “Talks are on with local investors and also TV9,” says the source. TV9 is a Telugu news channel, promoted by venture fund i-Labs Associated Fund and Chennai-based Unify Wealth Management.
Maa TV has been in search of funds for over a year and earlier talks with Sun Network for selling stake had failed. The channel is now banking on blockbusters to boost its ratings. “Part of the fund requirement is to make movie acquisitions. Investment will also be made towards serials,” the source says.
The channel plans to introduce soaps in its primetime line-up starting 2005 December.
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.
