News Broadcasting
Star pursues Indiatimes viewers for Temptation Island feedback
Star seems bent on getting viewers’ opinion on every issue related to the reality show Temptation Island it has started airing on Star World.
Although an overwhelming 58 per cent of responses to the online poll Star conducted on Indiatimes voted against an Indian version of the show, the channel is not giving up. The channel has initiated a new poll asking viewers if they would prefer the desi version to be shot in Goa. Interestingly, the less-than-a-week old poll has received a stout 71 per cent endorsement. Only 29 per cent of those who cast their vote in the online poll said they would not prefer Goa as the locale where the reality show, just two weeks old on the channel, could be shot. Two per cent of the voters had earlier said that they were not sure, and 41 per cent had given a thumbs down sign to an Indian version.
The channel pushed ahead with the launch of Temptation Island on 23 November, even though one of its earlier Indiatimes polls perched precariously at 50-50. Only half the number of voters had said that India was ready for a show like Temptation Island.
Obviously, the channel feels that those who log on to Indiatimes are the viewers most likely to watch shows like Temptation Island. That explains another poll that appeared on the site some week ago, asking voters whether they would like to watch Temptation Island at 10:00 pm on Thursdays. Sixty-five per cent of the voters had approved of the time slots.
When the show launched in America in January 2001, it got high ratings amidst shocking reviews and strong criticism. Aired on Fox channel, the series had the highest ratings in more than six years among adults in the 18-34 demographic. As for India, only two episodes have been aired so it’s early days. However, if the first show’s ratings are anything to go by there is still a long haul ahead. AC Nielsen’s TAM data gave it a 0.08 TVR while ORG MARG’s INTAM gave it a 0.14 TVR (all-India C&S homes 4+).
Meanwhile, the information and broadcasting ministry which had said it would be closely monitoring the show for indecent exposure (remember the pre launch campaign that went – Lust, sex, betrayal ) does not seem to have found anything objectionable in the content of the show.
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.
