News Broadcasting
Aaj Tak too claims to be No 1 in election coverage
MUMBAI: And Aaj Tak says “me too”. The ‘sabse tez’ news channel also issued a press release staking its claim as the numero uno among news channels during the Maharashtra Elections. Quoting the Tam ratings for 16 October (Counting Day), Aaj Tak claims that it has been the most watched channel, during the counting period (8-12 am), with an All India share of 37.5 per cent, more than double than that of its nearest rival.
Additionally, the news channels has also claims to have bagged the highest all-India channel share, 26.2 per cent between the 9 am to 9 PM time-segment. In Maharashtra market, the channel clocked a channel share of 28.9 per cent.
The channel claims that it was, in fact, its Maharashtra election special programming Maharashtra ka Mahasangram topped the ratings across news channel.
The umbrella programming band Maharashtra kA Mahasangram comprised different programmes like:
1. Munnabhai MLA – Featuring the inimitable comic character Sourabh Shukla, this segment provided interesting quips, thoughts and discussions from various regions.
2. Election Local – Mumbai’s life line, the local train, was the setting for an open debate & forum on the real concerns and issues of the common man.
3. Mumbai Meri Jaan – This segment featured the who’s who of Mumbai talking about their hopes and expectations from their MLAs.
4. Chunav Ala Re – This segment show cased the Aaj Tak team’s on the spot reporting from the interiors of Maharashtra to unravel the grass-root problems and issues in the state.
5. Vote Cha Akhada – This was a one-on-one debate between two political heavyweights involving a well-represented audience to take the battle to the voters.
The release claims that Aaj Tak has been the leader on the counting day and has the highest channel share in all India and Maharashtra markets across different time-bands.
In a bid to bolster its claim, Aaj Tak also has quoted sources like Cybermedia and AC Nielsen, who they claim have reinforced Aaj Tak’s supremacy over the other news channels in terms of brand awareness, top-of-mind recall, excellence in presentation and many such critical parameters.
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.
