News Broadcasting
AP expands internationally; names Ian Ritchie MD of new division
LONDON: Associated Press (AP) has announced its expansion, with the establishment of its newly named division AP International. The new division is charged with expanding AP’s revenue opportunities outside the US.
AP has named CEO of its international video service Ian Ritchie to be vice-president of global business and managing director of AP International.
Ritchie who presently heads Associated Press Television News (APTN) in London, will report to John Keitt, senior vice president for global business.
A company release quotes Keitt as saying, “This is an exciting opportunity for all of us at AP. Ritchie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help direct AP’s new growth abroad.”
In addition to pursuing growth and revenue opportunities, AP International will coordinate with regional and New York news executives to add depth and breadth to AP’s global coverage. AP International will also include AP’s London-based video news operation, which was launched in 1994 and now serves hundreds of broadcasters around the globe, the release specifies.
Ritchie became APTN’s CEO in 2000. He came to AP from Middle East Broadcasting Limited (MBC) where he was responsible for television, radio, and transmission of digital and cable operations in the Middle East.
Prior to that, Ritchie was the CEO of Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited. He also served as an executive at Granada Television, Yorkshire-Tyne Tees Television, Central Television’s Nottingham Studios and London News Network.
AP has more than 240 bureaus world over, providing news content in text, audio, video, graphics and photos to more than 15,000 news outlets with a daily reach of 1 billion people worldwide.
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.
