News Broadcasting
7 Star reaches deal with ESPN as India-Windies cricket series gets under way
Just in time. Seven Star Cable Network, which was the only MSO in Mumbai still to sign on to the new subscriber regime of ESPN Star Sports, has finally thrashed out an agreement with the sports broadcaster. Following the agreement, telecast resumed on 11 April.
According to the information available, 7 Star agreed to increase its declared connectivity from 7,000 to 10,000 (a figure that works out to 10 per cent of the estimated 100,000 homes the MSO services).
The contract between ESPN Software and 7 Star is similar to the one the sports broadcaster signed recently with the Hinduja Group’s InCableNet. The deal runs through till 31 December 2003 and there have been clauses included that allow for ramping up of the declared subscriber base in a phased manner.
With the figure decided upon, sports buffs in western Mumbai, who had to make do without the sports channel while the broadcaster and the MSO wrestled connectivity figures and hiked rates, now again have access to the India-West Indies series that began 11 April.
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.
