News Broadcasting
ESS looking to hit a distribution ‘Grand Slam’ in smaller markets
MUMBAI: To say that the relationship between broadcasters and cable operators has been rough would be putting things mildly. However, ESPN Star Sports is looking to change that in its own way.
To this effect, it has introduced a Grand Slam programme. Its main aim is to foster goodwill amongst its cable affiliates through Grand Slam. Of course, another benefit which could accrue as a corollary is higher subscription revenues.
Speaking on this, ESPN affiliate sales vice president Sricharan Iyengar says, ” We introduced this a couple of months ago with the aim of improving and building upon the relationships between us and our cable affiliate partners. Most of the time we function like two adversaries and with this we want to make them feel that they are working in the same space with us as partners.”
“So far, 1000 customers have signed up. Right now our focus is on the smaller cities and towns where you can deal with the operators directly. We will look at the metros later on where the MSO comes into play,” says Iyengar.
“The programme works on three levels. At the first level the participants will be judged on a consistency basis which will work month by month. Based on increased declarations and revenue flow they get bonus points. This works like a frequent flyer programme. When they collect a certain number of points, these can be redeemed for prizes like holidays, household items.”
“At the second level, an aspirational value is added. A lot of cable operators in the smaller places have not had the opportunity to interact with celebrity commentators on our shows like Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar. So Bhogle could do a phone in programme for the operator or even visit him.”
Iyengar added that the third level would see big ticket items being auctioned. Members of the programme could bid for durables like a car. This would happen every quarter. In addition every member gets a card. With this card he can avail of discounts at retail outlets, restaurants. For this purpose the broadcaster is looking to make the necessary tie ups.
The uncharitable would say that the direct contact concept looks to have been “inspired” by a similar effort from Sony’s One Alliance. Sony’s cricket brand ambassador Kapil Dev has been taken across the country and has proved a huge hit with the cable fraternity.
However, ESS denies this saying that the sports network has been having direct contact programmes with cable ops, taking Harsha Bhogle to them, three years ago, much before Sony decided to hire Kapil as its cricket ambassador.
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.
