News Broadcasting
Most cable networks in Mumbai sign on to new rates, says ESPN
ESPN Software today claimed a major victory in its tussle with the Hinduja Group MSO InCableNet when it announced that most cable networks across Mumbai city had signed the new service contracts for ESPN, Star Sports following the annual price revision of January 1, 2002.
Even Zee Group cable arm Siticable has signed onto the new rates – Rs 24 for a month per subscriber – industry sources as well as Siti franchisees have confirmed. This is significant because this means that of the three main MSOs in the city – InCableNet, Hathway and Siti – only InCableNet is out of the loop so to speak. There is one Siti JV that has allied with InCableNet in this dispute and that is the headend in the northeastern suburb of Ghatkopar run by Ravi Singh.
Sricharan Iyengar, vice-president – affiliate sales, said: “Cable networks affiliated to MSOs Hathway, Siticable and Wincable in Mumbai, as well as over 60 independent cable operators in and around Mumbai city, have signed the new service contracts for ESPN and Star Sports. Only the cable networks affiliated to InCableNet are yet to sign the new contracts.”
The dispute between ESPN and InCableNet is now awaiting the verdict of the courts with a judgment expected on Friday.
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.
