News Broadcasting
BBC mulls 20 % stake in Radio Mid-Day
NEW DELHI: Star might have backed out of the FM radio sector for the time being, but British broadcaster BBC has proposed to pick up an equity stake in Mumbai-based Radio Mid-Day that runs a FM radio station.
According to government sources, BBC Worldwide Ltds proposal envisages the British broadcaster picking up to 20 per cent equity stake in Radio Mid-Day.
The quantum of investment has not been specified in an application moved before the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), which is examining the proposal in consultation with the nodal ministry, information and broadcasting ministry.
Radio Mid-Day, where the paid up equity capital is slightly over Rs. 590 million, operates a private FM radio station in Mumbai.The company has expressed its intention to bid for licences in other cities too during the second phase, beginning early next year.
In Radio Mid-Day, 82 per cent of the stake is held by Mid-day Multimedia, while the remaining shareholding is with a company called Ferrari Investment.
Interestingly, BBC Worldwide has obtained permission from its board of governors to invest up to £ 7 million (approx Rs 550 million) in Indias FM radio sector.
As and when government permission comes through for BBC Worldwide, it would be the second major investment in the Indian media sector.
The first joint venture is with Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd — publishers of The Times of India and Economic Times, apart from a host of other media ventures — for publishing scientific and other specialty journals in India.
Another foreign player that is expected to soon throw its hat in the FM ring is Richard Branson’s Virgin Radio HT Music in association with Hindustan Times. HT subsidiary Entertainment Pvt Ltd is among the companies that have indicated interest in bidding for the second round of FM licences.
The companies that have expressed interest in running private FM radio stations in 91 cities range from traditional media outfits to clothing outfits to dairy product manufacturers to consultancy firms to trading establishments.
Until now, 100 firms have shown interest in the two-stage bidding process for 338 FM frequencies across India. Quite a few companies have not yet specified the number of frequencies they would bid for as this is just a pre-qualifying round.
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.
