News Broadcasting
Intelsat bags Lorals North American Satellite Assets
MUMBAI: Intelsat has completed its acquisition of the North American satellites and related customer contracts of Loral space and communications corporation. It has already begun executing customer transition and satellite integration plan.
With the help of the recent acquisition, Intelsat will be able to add full coverage of North America to its area of coverage. The $961.1 million purchase will enhance Intelsat’s global market and help it expanding its customer base in the broadcasting, cable television and corporate networking segmentsm, says a company release.
Upon the closing, Intelsat paid $961.1 million in cash for the assets acquired under the purchase agreement with Loral. This price reflects performance-related and other adjustments to the $1.025 billion base purchase price set forth in the asset purchase agreement, adds the release.
Intelsat did succed in bagging the assets after Telstar 4 satellite connection ceased to operate following a faliure. Intelsat was assigned Loral’s rights to receive insurance proceeds (net of currently expected warranty payments) of up to $140 million, which would further reduce the total consideration for these assets.
According to Intelsat chief executive officer Conny Kullman, “The addition of the Loral assets fulfills key strategic priorities for building our business. These satellites enhance our worldwide network coverage and immediately establish us as a serious competitor in the North American video market.”
“Our focus now is on providing a seamless and efficient transition for all Loral customers that we have acquired. These assets are an excellent fit with our existing network, and we expect the transition to move smoothly. With this acquisition complete, Intelsat is now able to provide reliable, one-stop shopping for broadcasters or other companies needing to connect from or to almost any point on Earth,” he added.
In addition to adding prime North American coverage to the Intelsat fleet, the assets add important Ku-band capacity to serve Latin America, further enhancing Intelsats global, end-to-end satellite and land-based network.
Intelsat has acquired four in-orbit satellites and one satellite under construction, with the orbital designation to remain in degrees West. Intelsat has also acquired rights to use the 77?W orbital location.
Communications operations and customer support will now be managed by Intelsat, with support from Loral for a six-month transition period. Command and control of the Intelsat Americas satellites will be transitioned to Intelsats satellite control center over the next 12 to 18 months, adds the release.
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.
