News Broadcasting
News channel Aaj Tak completes a year in operation
Exactly a year ago on 31 December, 2000, 24-hour Hindi news channel Aaj Tak was launched by India Today Group.
Today, the channel claims to enjoy a share of over 55 per cent in Hindi speaking markets within the news genre with viewers spending as high as 70 minutes weekly watching the channel. Aaj Tak CEO G Krishnan, said: “The viewership is a true reflection of the appreciation that we have received from the viewers & the advertising fraternity.”
As far as the advertising is concerned, one big success that Aaj Tak has chalked up is in managing to mop up a wide range of ads from players who were traditionally not known to set aside budgets for television.
The channel’s aim is to bring in-depth & incisive coverage to viewers and has listed the following events as being worthy of note:
On Republic Day (26 January) when the a devastating earthquake struck Gujarat it had round the clock coverage of the earthquake-ravaged state. A highlight was a unique platform – Meri Aawaz Suno (here my voice) – where people spoke their views and how their lives were affected.
In June it was in Nepal with extensive reports and analysis by teams stationed in the Himalayan kingdom when the Royal Nepali prince killed his entire family in a fit of jealousy.
During the Agra Summit the channel claims to have set up a team of 24 members to cover Pakistan President Musharaf’s visit to India. A correspondent was sent to Islamabad for the perspective on the summit from across the border.
Like other channels Aaj Tak kept the events of 11 September in focus. Aaj Tak claims to be the first Indian news channel to reach Afghanistan after US bombings commenced.
The channel claims that within half an hour of the 13 December terrorist attack on Parliament, it had the minister for parliamentary affairs Pramod Mahajan live from inside the Parliament on the line. This was followed by exclusive interviews of George Fernandes (defence minister) and information & broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj.
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.
