News Broadcasting
NBC to cash in on ‘Friends’ finale
MUMBAI: It’s called making hay while the sun shines. The final episode of Friends, to be telecast by the end of this fall in the US, will cost advertisers two million dollars for a 30 second spot. By far one of the most popular shows on NBC, the Friends final episode is also to be extended from the usual 30 minutes to two hours.
Consequently, the commercial breaks on the Friends final will be the most expensive ever for a non-sports programme. NBC, say media reports, is asking advertisers for the kind of money usually reserved for the biggest event in the US broadcasting calendar, the Super Bowl, which attracts a 100 million viewers and costs advertisers up to three million dollars for a 30-second ad.
Needless to say, the two-hour finale to the 10th and final series of Friends will be one of the most hyped entertainment programmes in TV history and NBC is setting its ad rates accordingly. Currently, the show attracts 20 million viewers and ad spots on the show sell for $ 450,000. Friends is setting a record even by extending the finale into a two hour episode. In May 1998, when Seinfeld – then America’s most popular TV comedy – reached the end of its run, the hour-long finale was a national event attracting more than 80 million viewers. Friends is likely to receive similar viewer attention, say media watchers.
NBC has also decided to ask viewers to vote for their six favourite episodes and will broadcast them in the weeks leading up to the finale next May.
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.
