News Broadcasting
ABU and Unesco ink deal for establishing branded AV section
MUMBAI: The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and Unesco’s programme for creative content have announced a new partnership for the establishment of a branded section of audio visual content listings on Unescos Audio Visual E-Platform.
The ABU will work with its more than 102 member broadcast companies from across the Asia-Pacific region in identifying content suitable for exchange and promotion in the international market.
Unesco’s Audiovisual E-Platform provides global on-line contact between filmmakers, broadcasters and distribution outlets, enhancing the promotion and distribution of culturally diverse audiovisual content.
The E-Platform contains recently produced, innovative documentaries, short films and TV-magazines, which are original in form and content and go beyond conventional forms of filmmaking. Selected productions provide a genuine expression of different cultures, and are ready for on-line, full-length screening, which can be viewed at http://creativecontent.unesco.org.
The new ABU-Unesco partnership and call for entries fulfills both the objectives of Unesco in enhancing the promotion and distribution of culturally diverse audiovisual content as well as the responsibility of the ABU in supporting its member broadcasters and producers to gain greater visibility and interaction in the international market place.
“Unescos E-Platform is an important initiative for aiding television, film and documentary producers and provides a vehicle for promoting, marketing and exchanging content. It will help in providing access and visibility to producers and content that otherwise find it difficult to compete in international markets,” said ABU secretary general David Astley.
At a global level, broadcasters, distribution outlets and relevant institutions will be able to read about the work of producers and watch samples on-line before contacting the rights holders for acquisition.
Acquisitions, commercial transactions or negotiations will be done directly between the copyright holders and the persons interested in acquiring the content. While not acting as agent of any of the content listed on the E-Platform, Unesco and the ABU are committed to fostering respect for the copyright of Audio-visual works.
Unesco’s Audiovisual E-Platform is a highly secured platform designed for professionals in the film and television industry as a means of promotion and distribution of creative productions at local, regional and international levels. Unesco ensures the security and restriction of access.
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.
