News Broadcasting
Elections fetch DD News Rs 20 m in revenues
MUMBAI: DD News has garnered advertising revenues of Rs 20 million from the coming Lok Sabha elections.
The news channel from pubcaster Doordarshan’s fold, which has clocked a turnover of Rs 100 million in the fiscal just ended, has launched a slew of fresh election programming. Apart from the regular news bulletins, show like Janadesh 2004, Kaante Ki Takkar, Note Garam, Chunavi Jor Garam have been added to the regular programming.
Chunavi Paheli, a contest based show and Khatti Meethi Baatein, a programme on election sidelights as well as a psephological show have been planned for the channel. According to Prasar Bharati marketing head Vijayalaxmi Chhabra, DD has managed to sell the spots for four to five times the normal rates for the period between 1 April and 13 May.
While the channel has attempted to restrict the FCT of normal packages to avoid ad clutter during election time, it may also cut down on the double ticker scroll that is currently on DD News to give it a sleeker look. Among the prominent corporates who have bought airtime on DD News are Asian Paints, Indian Oil and Dabur, apart from Electrolux, Mahindra and Oriental Insurance. Airtel, MDH and Jeevanjyot are the other names who are part of the DD News election package sponsors. These sponsors have come on board particularly for the elections and are not part of the yearly packages. DD effected a 20 to 25 per cent rate hike from 1 April 2004, and advertisers have responded positively to the increased rates, says Chhabra.
DD News, which has climbed in viewership stakes considerably after its November 2003 launch, now faces its stiffest challenge with rival satellite news channels poised for a battle for the eyeballs.
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.
