News Broadcasting
DD far and away leader on news front: Quraishi
NEW DELHI: Amongst all the news channels, Doordarshan is way ahead of others even if all TV homes and cable and satellite homes are taken into account separately, Doordarshan’s director-general SY Quraishi has said.
Speaking at the first edition of the newly-introduced monthly award scheme (which carries cash awards for the winners apart from a plaque) last evening Quraishi, quoting TAM data, said that amongst all news channels between 8-9 pm, DD National had a viewer share of 92.21 per cent in all TV homes.
The data pertained to the 45th week ended 9 November, 2002.
Amongst C&S homes, with 15 years+ viewers, in the same time band, DD National news bulletins’ share was 57.38 per cent, Quraishi said.
The nearest rival to DD, if one can call it one, was Aaj Tak which had a viewers’ share of 4 per cent in all TV homes and 22.13 per cent in C&S homes.
In all TV homes, CNN’s share was 0.14 per cent, BBC World’s 0.14 per cent, CNBC India’s 0.29 per cent, Star News’ 0.86 per cent and Zee News’ 2.29 percent.
Stressing on the wide reach of DD, running 17-odd channels in various languages including Hindi, Quraishi said the “reach of DD is unmatched and advertisers and media planners should exploit this more effectively.”
To drive home his point, Quraishi said that even during 7-8 am time band, DD National’s share for the 5th week was much more than other news channels.
In all TV homes it was 92.08 per cent, while in C&S homes it was 62.04 pr cent. Again the nearest rival was Aaj Tak with 5.09 per cent and 24.27 per cent viewership share in all TV homes and C&S homes, respectively.
Meanwhile, dwelling on the award scheme, Prasar Bharati officials said that the main purpose of the awards was to encourage in-house productions and promote professionalism.
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.
