News Broadcasting
BBC, Radio Independents Group agree new terms for the UK
MUMBAI: The BBC and the Radio Independents Group (RIG) have agreed new Terms of Trade for commissioning radio programming from independents.
The new terms apply to all programmes commissioned from independent producers since 7 December 2004, when the BBC published a draft framework for the revised terms, based on discussions with the sector. The key points of the new terms of trade are:
– Independents will own all rights (including copyright) in the programmes they produce.
– The BBC will take a licence to use programming across its networks for a period of ten years and to exercise public service new media rights.
– For all programming except comedy, drama and specialist music, there will be an automatic “break clause” after five years if the BBC no longer intends to exercise public service rights in the programme.
– The BBC will be able to extend its licence for a further five years, and on an ongoing basis for long running commissions.
– The BBC will be entitled to a share of net profit arising from the exploitation of all rights in the programming. BBC Radio and Music director Jenny Abramsky said, “We are delighted that the new terms have been agreed. We have been in consultation with the industry since December 2004 to ensure that the new deal structure was fair and represented the interests of both parties.”
RIG chairman Mike Hally said, “We are delighted to have been able to represent the industry so effectively in our first year of existence. It has involved a lot of patient work – and some hard bargaining – on both sides, but the BBC team have engaged positively and constructively with us and the results amply justify the effort. Both our members and the BBC will benefit from what we are all agreed is a fair deal that consigns the ‘all rights’ contracts to history.”
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.
