News Broadcasting
TRP scam: ED steps in to probe money laundering angle
NEW DELHI: It seems that the TRP manipulation scandal that has caused quite a stir in the Indian news broadcasting industry is far from done and dusted.
The case has now come under the lens of the enforcement directorate (ED), which has filed a case under PMLA and will be examining the money laundering angle in the alleged TRP rigging scam. All parties mentioned in the FIR registered by the Mumbai police will be investigated by the agency.
Earlier, the probe was transferred to the CBI after a case was registered in Lucknow’s Hazratganj police station based on the complaint of an advertising company promoter. As per the FIR, the primary allegations relate to manipulation of TRPs in return for payment.
Multiple parties including research agencies, rating agencies, news channels, and others have been snagged in the net cast by this case. There have been a series of FIRs, litigations, and lawsuits. Members of the companies being scrutinised under the investigation are being summoned to the crime branch to register statements and verify facts. In one instance, Bombay HC even directed crime branch officials to not harass employees of Hansa Research Agency.
The impact of the scam has been such that BARC has suspended the news broadcast ratings for a period of 12 weeks. The developments in the case have further divided the industry into factions.
The alleged TRP manipulation scam was first unearthed by the Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh on 8 October. Since then, charges have been flying thick and fast between one of the accused, Republic Media, and the law keepers. Singh during his press conference had stated three channels including Republic were involved in the rigging. However, the Arnab Goswami-led news broadcaster was vehement in its denial of any involvement, saying that the commissioner was indulging in a vendetta campaign. Goswami has been since then fighting the Mumbai police in the courts.
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.
