News Broadcasting
Prasar Bharati board seeks government intervention on sports telecast rights
Sport. A programming property that keeps millions glued to their TV sets in India, especially when cricket and Tendulkar are in full flow. In recent times, pubcaster Doordarshan has been beaten back by private companies who have anted up top dollars to acquire prime sports events. Among the big events that DD has missed out on or has looked like it is going to are the Fifa World Cup which is in progress right now and the ICC cricket rights which are with WSG-Nimbus and Sony.
Irked by this, the Prasar Bharati board chaired by former space scientist Prof U.R. Rao, is calling for government intervention to make sure that DD is not left out of the sports loop. Sources indicate that the board is petitioning the Union government to bring in a law which will ensure that telecast rights of all important sports events accrue to DD.
If the government does agree, it could deliver a body blow to sports rights holders, who have built up positions in events for the long term, says an industry observer. It’s quite possible that passing of the legislation could lead to protests and litigation.
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.
