News Broadcasting
BBC shortlists three bidders for technology unit
MUMBAI: The BBC has announced that it has shortlisted three bidders for the final round in the procurement process for the technology services agreement and the sale of BBC Technology.
The sale is subject to the approval of the UK Secretary of State for culture, media and sport. The contract is worth up to £ two billion. The three companies that are competing are Accenture, CSC and Siemens.
The recently concluded round had eight companies in the fray. The final three were selected through a European Union procurement process which was conducted by the BBC’s evaluation team.
The move to procure a new technology contract followed an internal strategic review of the BBC’s technology requirements. An earlier review conducted had identified potential annual savings for the beeb to the tune of £20-£30 million if its technology services were outsourced.
As part of the BBC’s aim to revolutionise its use of technology to make and distribute programmes it is looking for a partner that will share its technology vision and make it happen over the course of the next decade.
Formed three years ago BBC Technology provides products and services for the BBC, other broadcasters, platform owners, content owners and government organisations. Its customers include BBC News, BSkyB, DirecTV and ESPN. BBC Technology has 1400 staff members and a turnover of £230 million.
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.
