News Broadcasting
Ben Hall is BBC Worldwide’s content and production business creative head
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide’s content and production business has appointed Ben Hall to the newly created role of head of creative.
Working alongside BBC Worldwide executive producer, international formats Gareth Williams, Hall will lead a newly recruited creative team charged with generating original format ideas for international exploitation and roll-out through the business’ increasing network of global production bases. He begins his new role with immediate effect. Hall’s appointment completes BBC Worldwide’s revamped formats team in London.
The team’s aim is to raise revenues generated from BBC Worldwide’s format business by tapping into local demand and developing more original productions around the world. The team is already undertaking this through new partnerships between BBC Worldwide and independent producers in the UK, as well as partnerships and production bases internationally, such as the recently-announced Freehand partnership in Australia.
BBC director of formats Colin Jarvis said, “With this expanded and talented formats team, we are now better placed than ever to develop new formats that will find audiences globally. As one of the UK’s leading creatives in the formats business, Ben brings a wealth of creative experience as to what works for audiences around the world, as well as a very good insight into how ideas turn into commercial hits.”
Hall said, “BBC Worldwide’s formats business is rapidly lining up to become a major global player so this is a very exciting time to take the creative helm. We have recruited a great team who love generating new ideas and we are looking forward to creating a new generation of hit formats that will work for audiences around the world.”
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.
