News Broadcasting
Al Jazeera to launch English-language news channel
MUMBAI: Qatar based Arabic TV broadcaster, Al Jazeera will launch a English-language satellite news channel service by the fourth quarter of 2005.
Speaking at the annual Casbaa convention in Hong Kong on Wednesday, Al Jazeera International managing director Nigel Parsons said that the English-language network will operate from Washington, London. They are yet to determined the location of the Asia Pacific hub. But the channel will be headquartered in Doha.
Additionally, the English-language news channel is looking at recruiting approximately 300 staff. Speaking about the target audience, Parsons said, “Al Jazeera’s English-language service is global, not just Muslims who don’t speak Arabic.”
“The new channel will not be an English translation of our Arabic channel,” he added. “It will have international appeal and aims to fill gaps in existing output. I think we might have a ready audience there, but it is not going to be an anti-western or anti-American channel.”
There are also plans to launch a children’s channel and a documentary channel during 2005. The Qatar-based broadcaster is already broadcasting Arabic-language news channel and Arabic-language sports channel.
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.
