News Broadcasting
Abu Dhabi Media & BSkyB’s news channel for ME & North Africa kicks off
MUMBAI: Sky News Arabia, the joint venture between Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation and BSkyB, has began the live broadcast of the 24-hour Arabic news channel for viewers in Middle East and North Africa.
The channel will be beamed across 50 million homes.
The channel is supported by an editorial advisory committee “to ensure Sky News Arabia delivers balanced, accurate and consistent news”. Based in Abu Dhabi, the new network is supported by 400 editorial staff, across 12 state-of-the-art bureau.
Promising objective and impartial news delivery, ADMIC chairman Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said, “The region demanded an Arab news product which incorporates both the technological developments and the fast changing media consumption habits that are transforming how news is gathered and disseminated. Our market research uncovered a strong appetite from Arab audiences for a high calibre, independent news channel which delivers news in real time and across multiple media platforms, be they high definition television sets, the Internet, smart phones or tablets.
“This, coupled with the pace of change and development of the global media landscape, reaffirms the need for Sky News Arabia – a channel launched from the heart of the Arab world for the Arab world. I am confident Sky News Arabia will become an icon for objective news reporting,” Al Jaber explained.
Sky News Arabia broadcasts on transponder 15 on Arabsat Badr 4, transponder 14 on Nilesat 201, on du IPTV and e-Life platforms plus in high definition on the OSN pay TV platform, as well as the Abu Dhabi TV Network.
Commenting on the channel’s launch, Sky News Arabia head Nart Bouran said, “This is a momentous occasion for Sky News Arabia and, I believe, a leap forward for the news industry in the Arab world. Our 400 strong editorial team will aim to set new standards for regional news through a high quality, engaging news product which informs viewers of events as and when they happen.”
BSkyB CFO and Sky News Arabia Board Director Andrew Griffith explained, “BSkyB is one of the UK’s most innovative and successful companies and Sky News has always been a pioneering part of our business. Our partnership with ADMIC to create a truly independent news offering for the Middle East and North Africa is a project we are fully committed to. It is an investment that both parties are proud to have made and we aim to set a new standard for news delivery in the region.”
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.
