News Broadcasting
India Today becomes most-watched channel in megacities in week 13 of BARC
MUMBAI: For the first-ever time this year, India Today has become the most-watched channel in the megacities, clinching number one spot in week 13 of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India. The channel has secured second spot in the previous week in the same category.
The channel has grown by over 12 per cent to 657,000 impressions in megacities among NCCS 22+ Male AB in week 13 as compared to 583,000 impressions in the last week. Republic TV has fallen by around 19 per cent to 619,000 impressions this week from 763,000 in the last week.
Republic TV has been leading the chart in megacities in terms of viewership. However, India Today reaching a new high is something that was speculated considering last week’s stellar performance of the channel in terms of viewership.
In the same category, Times Now, being at the third spot, garnered 386, 000 impressions, and CNN-News18 with 195,000 impressions has been ranked at the fourth position.
The viewership of news channels has grown exponentially in recent weeks due to the COVID-19 situation. Moreover, except news, all other genres have stopped producing fresh content, which could be termed also one of the reasons for the rise in the viewership of news broadcasters.
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.
