News Broadcasting
AXN to create big buzz by rescheduling primetime band
MUMBAI: AXN is looking to increase viewer cachet further. Last year it had defined primetime as starting from 10 pm instead of 9 pm.
Now it has decided to start its primetime programme block from 8 pm. This is not just for India but also for South Asia.
The new schedule which kicks off last night (5 July) will see shows like CSI, 24 and Alias move from 10 pm to 8 pm. In addition on Mondays and Tuesdays the action oriented broadcaster will air movies in the vacated 10 pm slot.
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) MD Todd Miller said, “The new programme schedule reflects AXN’s ongoing efforts as the market leader to take proactive initiatives to continue market leadership.”
The initiative is aimed not just at shoring up viewership but also at giving the advertisers more bang for their buck. AXNs ad sales and programming VP Ricky Ow added, “Ratings studies, viewer tracking surveys and regular feedback from viewers and our cable partners pointed towards these changes.
“The programming content remains largely unchanged. The new-look primetime schedule will provide a solid three-way fit between AXN, its viewers who will now be able to enjoy action-adventure programming at times that are most suited to their lifestyles, and advertisers who now have the power to send their messages directly to their desired target audience.”
Ow went on to add that close and constant analysis of ratings studies and viewer feedback helped the channel to mould its programme schedule to achieve blockbuster ratings amongst advertisers preferred target audiences. AXN claims to be available in almost 20 million homes across India.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com the latest season of The Amazing Race will take off later this month. It will feature a pitstop in Kolkata.
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.
