News Broadcasting
CBS signs Ray Raymano for ninth and final season of sitcom
MUMBAI: The days of the sitcom are numbered. Friends and Fraiser recently said goodbye. However Viacom’s broadcaster CBS has managed to convince comic Ray Romano to return for yet another season of the comedy Everybody Loves Raymond. In India the show airs on Star World.
The ninth and final season will have 16 episodes instead of the usual 24. The future of the show had been in doubt because Romano and the shows creator Phil Rosenthal said that they did not have too many fresh ideas.
Of course Romano does not need to hang around simply because he earns only a few thousand. The current season sees him earn over $30 million.
The deal reflects the fact that CBS believes it needs the show to anchor Monday night. Reports indicate that three months ago Rosenthal and Romano realised that they had enough material for one more year. An AP report indicates that this week, broadcast networks announce their schedules for later in the year to advertisers. They will then decide to buy about $9 billion worth of commercials. CBS announces its schedule on Wednesday.
CBS’ recently launched show Two and a Half Men has done reasonably well in the ratings among 18-49 year olds. However it is not clear as to how much of its growing strength stems from its “Raymond” lead-in — and how much would remain once Ray Romano calls it a day.
On the show Brad Garett plays Ray Romano’s brother. There is a slim possibility that CBS might sign on Brad for a spin off once Everybody loves Raymond goes off air. It may be recalled that NBC has decided to do a Friends spinoff Joey with Matt LeBlanc.
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.
