News Broadcasting
BBC Worldwide opens production outfit in France
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has announced the opening of a production office in Paris, France.
The local production base will build up BBC Worldwide formats in this key territory and is part of the company’s wider strategy to establish a network of production offices throughout the world.
BBC Worldwide Productions France will be headed by Jean-Louis Blot, who will be working with all of the local terrestrial networks to grow the company’s French production business.
As director of the new production office, Jean-Louis will report to BBC Worldwide Content and Production director of international formats Colin Jarvis and will be supported by Cécile Lamarque, who joins as development executive and will oversee production.
Jarvis said, “France is a key market for us. Establishing a thriving production base in this major European territory fits into our strategy to position BBC Worldwide as a leading global content network.
“Through the success of our Sales & Distribution office, BBC Worldwide enjoys a strong relationship with all of the major broadcasters in France and we look forward to extending this to local production.
“I’m pleased to welcome Jean-Louis onboard, he has the background and experience to develop our production office into a prominent player in the French market.
BBC Worldwide Productions France director Jean-Louis Blot says, “I’m very excited to be part of BBC Worldwide’s production plans in France as they have one of the richest catalogues in the world. My first priority will be to establish a production team.”
BBC Worldwide Productions France will work alongside BBC Worldwide’s sales and distribution team in France, managed by Tim Muff, which continues to oversee all of the company’s programme distribution, publishing and licensing activity in France.
BBC Worldwide has a history of licensing British formats in France, including The Weakest Link, Top of the Pops, Great French and The Office.
The Paris production office is BBC Worldwide’s latest in a growing network of production bases, the others being in Los Angeles, New York, Mumbai, Toronto and Sydney.
Blot joins BBC Worldwide Productions France from Air Productions, where he was Head of Development as well as a producer.
At Air Productions, he produced two of France’s most popular game shows: Don’t Forget the Lyrics and Tout le Monde veut prendre sa Place. Lamarque joins BBC Worldwide France Productions from Fremantlemedia where she worked on the launch and development of series such as Jamie’s Kitchen, Supernanny, How Clean is Your House? and The Farmer Wants A Wife.
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.
