News Broadcasting
Playboy TV fined £25,000 in UK for airing porn movie
MUMBAI: British media regulator Ofcom has slapped a £25,000 fine on Benelux, owners of Playboy TV, for telecasting a R18 film just after midnight on 1 May, 2004. Ofcom has classified the most explicit of sexual content as R18.
Commenting on the incident, Ofcom said it was the first time R18 content had been shown on British television. R18 rated content is ruled as “not to be transmitted at any time” under the 1.4 of the programme code of Ofcom.
Playboy, in its apology, conceded that it broadcast the movie Sandy Babe Abroad which is only allowed to be sold in X-rated cinemas or sex shops. It acknowledged that the action breached Ofcom’s Programme Code.
Playboy TV UK managing director Jeremy Yates has been quoted as saying, “We accept Ofcom’s decision. It was an error that occurred when we were updating our broadcast facility and that placed a strain on us.”
The Ofcom investigation was overseen by a board member Kip Meek.
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.
