News Broadcasting
Times, BBC look to shake up print media scene with JV
MUMBAI: The Indian print media industry is set for exciting times. The Times Group and BBC Magazines (a division of BBC Worldwide) today announced the signing of a formal agreement to set up a joint venture company to publish magazines in India.
The 50:50 JV will produce and market magazines from both companies in India. It will also facilitate the exchange of content, titles and know-how for the Indian market.
While the formation of the new 50:50 JV will take place only after the necessary statutory and regulatory approvals have been received, the aim is to come out with a number of localised niche publications. The JV will also take over the publishing of the 29 magazines that are published by the Times Group.
Other magazines that the JV will look to grow in circulation include Just Like That, Kidzone, Shipping Journal. Addressing a media briefing this afternoon Bennett, Coleman and Co. MD Vineet Jain said, “In October we had signed a 50:50 JV for the magazine business and today we are announcing the finalisation of the deal. BBC’s brands stand for integrity, credibility and excellence. For us, with Femina and Filmfare we have two magazines that also form a part of public consciousness.”
Jain said a final decision on the magazines that would be launched was still to be made as the matter was under study. “In a few weeks time the specifics of the plan would be revealed,” he added.
Arun Arora, president of Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd, said he expected joint venture to redefine the rules of the magazine business. He said that with the economy growing at an explosive pace, consumer aspirations, too, was rising rapidly. “We are looking for a multiplier effect and not one plus one is equal to two. Our tie-up which is the first of its kind for us, will enable us to better anticipate the needs of the readers. The burgeoning upper middle class is increasingly becoming interested in niche areas like golf, motoring. Our aim will be to develop satisfactory products that will meet those needs.”
BBC Magazines MD Peter Phippen said that the Indian magazine market had significant growth potential. “The magazine sector will grow more rapidly than your economy. We respect the Times Group enormously. Our top publications include Top Gear, the women’s magazine Eve as well as Radio Times,” Phippen said.
While no one from either the Times or the BBC were willing to make any firm comment on the likely BBC titles that would be launching in India via the new JV, the general drift of the briefing did offer some indicators. Top of the list comes the popular auto magazine TOP Gear that also leverages the brand value of the BBC World TV show of the same name. Then there is Radio Times which covers the television and entertainment industry. Parenting, Good Homes and Good Food are other likely candidates for India entry.
Investment bankers JM Morgan Stanley were the advisers in the deal on behalf of Bennett Coleman. The Times Group has a portfolio of 50 regular titles.
In 2002/03 BBC Worldwide returned £123 million to the BBC.
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.
