News Broadcasting
Al Jazeera to go public; US pressure seen as being involved
MUMBAI: Al Jazeera – possibly the most controversial media entity of the recent times in the Middle East, and a wholly financed company by the Qatari government – is accelerating plans to sell off the channel to private buyers. In order to maintain a certain control over editorial content, the channel is even contemplating going public.
The move is widely perceived as being influenced by increasing pressure from the US authorities, more so because Qatar is a key ally of the the Bush administration in the region.
As regards the quantum of equity that will be open to the public, Qatari government spokesperson Jihad Ballut has been quoted by AFP as saying: “There will be restrictions in the shares offer and we don’t know (yet) if it will be on offer locally, regionally or internationally.”
According to reports in sections of Arab and Western media, a spokesperson for the channel said that the form of privatisation would be decided over the coming months.
Media reports suggest that the task of the channel would be to explore the best possibility for a sell out. The reason sighted by senior Qatari officials is that the pressure has been so intense that “We really have a headache, not just from the United States but from advertisers and from other countries as well.”
The government is accelerating plans to put Al Jazeera on the market. Though Bush administration officials counter that a privately owned station in the region may be no better from their point of view.
The channel’s audience range has been estimated to be approximately 30 million to 50 million. Despite a wide audience; the reach does not translate into profitability, and the station relies vastly on subsidy from the Qatari government. The official is also quoted saying that Qatar hoped to find a buyer within a year.
The channel gained popularity after displaying taped messages of Osama Bin Laden and anti Bush reports during and post Afghanistan and Iraq war. Qatari sponsored channel has been criticised largely by the US authorities for broadcasting inflammatory information against US.
The channel is planning to launch an English-language channel, Al Jazeera International and also to start up a documentary channel and kids’ channel in 2005.
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.
