News Broadcasting
MTV, CNN to co-produce HIV-Aids news special
MUMBAI: MTV International and CNN International today announced a first-ever co-production agreement for a 30-minute news special on HIV and Aids called Staying Alive: An MTV and CNN News Special.
This special will premiere on MTV globally on World Aids Day – 1 December and on 27 November on CNN International.
This special will be offered rights free and cost free to all broadcasters worldwide to get HIV/Aids prevention messages out to the widest audience possible. In the US, the programme will air as part of MTV’s Fight For Your Rights: Protect Yourself campaign.
In a unique creative approach, local MTV channels and CNN bureaus around the world will work together to jointly produce news segments focusing on how HIV/Aids affects young people in each region.
Segments will be produced featuring local CNN news reporters or MTV VJs in several countries around the world. The special will deal with many different issues related to HIV/Aids, including access to treatment, condom usage, discrimination and rising infection rates, among others. The show will offer viewers the chance to see how the disease touches all people regardless of age, ethnicity, country or socio-economic background.
“This important partnership links MTV’s access to a potential audience of one billion people with CNN’s outstanding journalism, vast reach and credibility among adult audiences, said MTV Networks International president and UNAIDS ambassador Bill Roedy. As the two largest global television broadcasters, this Staying Alive news special will have unprecedented distribution. I challenge other broadcasters to air this special rights free and at no cost to get crucial HIV/Aids prevention messages out to the largest audience ever this year on World Aids Day and beyond. HIV/Aids is the defining morale issue of our time, and it remains a top priority at MTV to continue to raise awareness and engage others to form their own response to the epidemic.
CNN International senior vice president Rena Golden added, “We are thrilled to be co-producing such an important program geared to provide our joint global audiences with access to vital information that is both relevant and compelling.”
“It has been estimated that 38 million people are currently living with HIV/Aids. We firmly believe that education and democratic dissemination of credible information is the key to fighting this epidemic. I echo the challenge for all global broadcasters to deliver this message through the distribution of Staying Alive. We’re delighted to be working with MTV on this initiative, and hope this represents the beginning of an enduring partnership.”
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.
