News Broadcasting
Composition of channels under CAS will depend on pricing by broadcasters: INCableNet
MUMBAI: When the cable industry committed on Saturday to provide all channels (pay and FTA) available for a total monthly tab of Rs 222 (exclusive of taxes), the question raised was how did they propose to do it if the broadcasters refused “to play ball”.
The clarification has now come in. Hinduja group MSO INCableNet says it will offer “a full range of genres, including movies, serials, educational programmes, music and news within Rs 222”. The catch “222” is that it does not specify just which pay channels will come at that price. Rajiv Vyas, COO of INCableNet says: “The composition of channels falling in each category will depend on the pricing by the broadcaster and the commercial agreement signed with them.”
In effect this means that if the pay broadcasters “refuse to cooperate”, the subscriber would get only those pay channels that fall within the definition set by the cable service provider. Tag this position along with Zee Telefilms’ demand that Subhash Chandra’s network should be allowed to offer its channels as a complete bouquet gives some idea of just what is the choice being offered at the various “consumer-friendly” prices that are being tom-tommed.
Meanwhile, Vyas indicated that “INCableNet is also considering creating of value packs for the consumers, which will pick out most popular channels from each bouquet and offer them at discounted pricing to allow viewers to get full facet of entertainment at a lower cost.”
Another value add is that INCableNet’s INDigital services will provide electronic programme guides (EPG) that will show clippings of all programmes being shown on the various channels. The EPG will also indicate the programme details such as title of programme, cast etc. Additionally, INDigital is offering pay per view facility that will allow viewers to watch movies, sports, clippings, Bollywood events, etc. in addition to normal programming.
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.
