News Broadcasting
BBC World leads international news channels during Indian elections
MUMBAI: BBC World was the most watched international news channel during India’s recent general elections, according to Tam Peoplemeter data.
During the four-week campaign, BBC World reached a total of 15 million viewers, three times the figure achieved by its nearest rival CNN. Each of BBC World’s viewers spent an average of 50 per cent longer tuned into the channels comprehensive and extended coverage of the poll, compared to those who were watching CNN, according to a press release.
The research also claims that about 1.5 million people in India watched BBC World’s election programming on 13 May, the day on which the results were announced. The channel also managed to attracted 94 per cent of the overall viewing to the two channels that day.
BBC World’s balanced perspective on the domestic and global implications of the nationwide poll resulted in a six per cent increase in reach, and a 20 per cent rise in the time spent watching the channel, among Sec group A. BBC World’s reach and viewing time came in ahead of CNN in all Secs across India, the release claims.
BBC World India research manager Dezma de Melo was quoted as saying, “These are fantastic results. The growth in viewership is a result of BBC World’s live reporting, regular hourly news updates and special analysis on programmes including Asia Today, Asia Business Report and Question Time India. The Indian news industry is highly competitive today and BBC World’s success is a reflection of our credibility and the demand from viewers in India for a global perspective.”
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.
