News Broadcasting
China censors BBC World, again
MUMBAI: China is back to its old censorship ploys. Yesterday it repeatedly blocked transmission of BBC World’s week-long series of China-themed programmes to hotels and apartment compounds for foreigners during political and other sensitive reports.
For example, a report on restive Muslim Uighur ethnic group in China’s far west was cut off after just seconds of starting to air. According to international media reports, the screen went black after a BBC correspondent said, ” But the Uighur people have little affection for their Chinese masters.”
Other foreign channels and BBC World are not licensed for cable distribution to ordinary Chinese, but millions of households with unlicensed satellite dishes can view them.
The media reports stated that the Uighur issue has been especially a sensitive issue as some members of the minority group are waging a low-intensity struggled against Chinese control.
China claims the violence is linked to the al-Qaida terrorism network, though outside experts are skeptical.
The BBC’s website describes China Week as “a themed series of news reports and programmes exploring one of the world’s most dynamic countries.”
The programmes are also carried on BBC World Service radio. They feature more than 60 journalists reporting from cities and rural areas throughout China. Interview subjects range from China’s first astronaut, Yang Liwei, to Hollywood martial arts star Jet Li.
The programmes include an edition of the audience participation show “Question Time,” which is recorded in Shanghai and features a panel of Chinese officials and government critics.
Earlier in 2003, China has suspended a transmission of the BBC World TV channel that reaches thousands of foreigners across the country after it objected to a news item dealing with the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement.
Before that in the mid-1990s, BBC World was forced off the Star platform, which had then been just bought over by Rupert Murdoch from the Hong Kong-media tycoon Richard Li.
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.
