News Broadcasting
French films heating up Friday nights on DD Metro
When it comes to foreign films, media focus is firmly on the rivalry amongst English movie channels. But maybe its time they sat up and took note of what national broadcaster Doordarshan’s Metro channel has managed in quietly carving out a niche for itself in the late Friday night slot by screening French films.
As per the alliance between the French Embassy and DD, French films commenced airing on DD Metro from 10 May. For all C&S homes in the four metros Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata the 13 films aired till 2 August notched an average TRP of 0.68. For section AB males between 15-34 the average increased to 1. Not too bad considering the fact that 1 TVR ratings are considered pretty good for English movies.
Captain Sinbad, which aired on 7 July, achieved the highest ratings among all C&S with a TVR of 1.53 while among the all-male audience, it was the 17 May screening of Some Girls Do, that drew in the numbers with a 2.53 TVR.
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.
