News Broadcasting
BBC drives ‘Top Gear’ to the sea in global deals
MUMBAI: BBC Library Sales, a division of BBC Worldwide Limited, has secured major deals around the world for the hit motoring show Top Gear.
In a major licensing deal between BBC Worldwide and Walport International, the Merchant Navy is set to trade ships for cars, so to say. It has acquired six episodes of Top Gear for part of the onboard entertainment package on Shell, BP and other crew ships.
The series can also be seen from this month on TVN Turbo in Poland and Prime TV in New Zealand. Additionally, it will launch shortly on TV+, the pan-Europe Russian language channel.
BBC Library Sales sales and marketing director Paul Maidment was quoted in an official release saying, “The global appeal of Top Gear has been re-enforced by the raft of overseas deals. It is very satisfying to see variants of the show being broadcast throughout Europe, as well as in New Zealand and the Middle East. The fact that we also licensed the show to the Merchant Navy is further testament to the show’s popularity.”
The show is famous for its super-cars, stunts, time trials and road tests, and the sharp wit of its presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The BBC has stated that Top Gear has already become a success for broadcasters in Holland (Veronica channel, part of the SBS group in Holland), Norway (NRK) and the Middle East (MBC).
BBC Library Sales offers media professionals in advertising, commercials, television, film, interactive and corporate video production access to a comprehensive collection of high-quality motion imagery for licensing worldwide. It claims to have over 500 million feet of film and 300,000 hours of video at its disposal. Its content covers natural history, wildlife, news, locations, art, music, celebrities, culture, performing arts.
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.
