News Broadcasting
NDTV India close on Aaj Tak’s heels
MUMBAI: The leader is being given a run for its money. With the 14th general elections already underway, news channels have reached the last lap in the race to be first among rivals for those crucial eyeballs. Hindi news channel leader Aaj Tak already has Prannoy Roy’s NDTV India snapping at its heels.
According to Tam data for the period 22 February to 20 March, NDTV India’s reach was 58.8 per cent as compared to Aaj Tak’s 62.1 per cent. However, surprisingly, when the reach of all Hindi news channels collectively took a dive in the period 21 March to 10 April, NDTV India’s reach at 57 per cent overtook Aaj Tak by 0.11 per cent in the 15+ C&S Hindi speaking market.
However, on the channel share front, Aaj Tak continues to rule the roost. While Aaj Tak stood tall with 33.3 per cent channel share for the period 22 February to 20 March, NDTV India was holding its ground with 18.2 per cent in the 15+ C&S Hindi speaking market. Interestingly, from the period 21 March to 10 April, while NDTV India’s channel share rose to 19 per cent, Aaj Tak’s dropped to 31.4 per cent. With almost 19 per cent channel share within Hindi News genre among 15+ C&S homes, NDTV India has clinched a clear number two slot within less than a year of its launch.
On the other hand, Star News’ channel share picked up from 16 per cent (22 February to 20 March) to 16.5 per cent (21 March to 10 April). Zee News and DD News’ share too increased from 12.6 per cent to 12.7 per cent and 10.6 per cent to 10.7 per cent respectively in the above-said period. Sahara Samay too had reasons to cheer as its share rose from 9.2 per cent to 9.8 per cent.
For NDTV India, the evening prime time seems to be the key as the channel garnered more than 20 per cent channel share of this slot within Hindi news genre among15+ in C&S homes for the period 21 March to 10 April.
Though it will take some time to match the towering heights that Aaj Tak has reached, the rise of NDTV India is commendable.
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.
