News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 & Federal Bank Prime Time Studio to revolutionise primetime news television
Mumbai: In a first-of-its-kind partnership in the news industry, CNN-News18 and Federal Bank have joined hands to launch CNN-News18 & Federal Bank Prime Time Studio. The collaboration aims to redefine the landscape of primetime news broadcasting in India.
The CNN-News18 & Federal Bank Prime Time Studio will launch on 25th April 2024, broadcasting live on weekdays from 6 pm to 10 pm. It will feature a stellar lineup of anchors hosting primetime shows, such as ‘Plain Speak’ with Shivani Gupta at 6 pm, ‘The Hard Facts’ with Rahul Shivshankar at 7 pm, ‘The Right Stand’ with Anand Narasimhan at 8 pm, and ‘Brass Tacks’ with Zakka Jacob at 9 pm.
The CNN-News18 & Federal Bank Prime Time Studio will feature state-of-the-art studio design and is equipped with the latest technology, AR and immersive visuals, providing viewers with an engaging and unparalleled viewing experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Network18 CEO – English News Smriti Mehra said, “This partnership in the form of CNN-News18 & Federal Bank Prime Time Studio marks a significant milestone in the news industry. We are excited to bring a new dimension to primetime news broadcasting amidst India’s Lok Sabha polls, with cutting-edge technology and immersive visuals, offering viewers an unparalleled viewing experience like never before.”
Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor of CNN-News18, added, “Amidst India’s 2024 General Elections, the role of news channels has become increasingly pivotal. Our partnership with Federal Bank heralds a new era in primetime news, ensuring viewers receive the most relevant, important information most engagingly when it matters the most.”
Federal Bank chief marketing officer M V S Murthy said, “At Federal Bank, we have always believed in more marketing per marketing. It’s a proud moment for us to be able to co-create The Primetime Studio for India’s Leading Anchors. Our sense is that this is going to have a high impact as the World’s 5th largest economy is getting into the Election season. CNN- News18 has the gravitas of audiences, who believe that India is News and they want to hear not just the headlines but in-depth analysis, perspectives and trajectory that will catalyse the India story further up the charts into the top 3 economies of the World.”
Known for its unparalleled news quality, CNN-News18 brings news that matters. The channel’s philosophy ‘On Your Side,’ ensures viewers are central to the discourse shaping their present and future.
In terms of viewership, CNN-News18 has been the number-one channel in the English news genre for over 108 consecutive weeks*. It also dominates the crucial primetime slot, providing news and analysis during the most crucial hours.
Starting 25 April the CNN-News18 & Federal Bank Prime Time Studio will be aired live on weekdays from 6 pm to 10 pm on CNN-News18.
*Source: BARC India | Mkt: India | TG: 2+ All | Period: Wk. 12’22-15’24 | Avg. Weekly AMA 000’s
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.
