News Broadcasting
BBC Magazines see robust growth in UK
MUMBAI: Homes, motoring and food categories have once again boosted the sales of BBC Magazines in the UK. Titles such as Top Gear, the local version of which which launched in India a few days ago, Good Homes and Good Food managed circulation increases.
In the January to June 2005 period, 17 titles in the BBC Magazines portfolio saw both year-on-year and period on period sales increases. BBC Magazines subscriptions were up by 21 per cent year on year
Highlights include
– Circulation of Good Homes went up by 13 per cent
– Top Gear magazine celebrated its 23rd consecutive period as the market leader
– Food group sold over 440,000 copies combined
– However Radio Times posted marginal decrease in hugely competitive market
– In the Pre-school segment Balamory was up 35 per cent and Bob the Builder went up up by 27 per cent
BBC Magazines MD Peter Phippen says,”Yet again, BBC Magazines continues to set the kind of sales increases other publishers aspire to in core areas. Recent independent research suggested that our titles, as well as extending the enjoyment of great BBC television, radio and online output, are also the UK’s most trusted. I am confident that the ongoing investments and new launch activity we have been making across our entire portfolio will ensure that we continue to experience growth in many other markets throughout 2005/06.”
Top Gear magazine publisher Adam Waddell says: “Top Gear managed overall year-on-year growth of 10 per cent. Under the ever-innovative editor Michael Harvey, the title has delivered constant and substantial growth – we’re now selling an additional 35,000 copies per month at the UK newsstand and to UK subscribers compared to the same period two years ago just prior to our redesign in summer 2003.
“Top Gear magazine’s appeal has also gone global with the recent launch of the tenth international edition in Thailand, to accompany the already successful nine other territory-specific editions in countries as diverse as Korea and the Netherlands . Also we relaunched the Top Gear magazine website – www.topgear.com – which aims to be the UK’s premier online motoring destination. An all new ‘Drives’ section is the car buyer’s ultimate tool, whilst the Time to Burn? area showcases stunning motoring photography and video clips from the TV show for the first time.”
BBC Magazines’ Food Group publisher Nicki Hill says,”The popularity and loyalty for BBC food magazines shows no signs of dissipation despite four new titles in the food market in the last two years. With subscriptions for Good Food and Olive up a staggering 35 per cent and 71 per cent respectively year on year and sales of Easy Cook up by 71 per cent it is clear that when people seek a gorgeous melting pot of top culinary advice, close links to popular television shows such as Full on Food and Master Chef, and the best advice from award-winning chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and John Torode, BBC food titles are perceived to be the most trustworthy in the market.
“An overall circulation increase for the food group of 10 per cent indicates a really exciting period of growth in the food market – a sector created by BBC Magazines over 15 years ago.”
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.
