News Broadcasting
DD plans audience research to supplement TAM data
NEW DELHI: Even as national broadcaster Doordarshan continues to take market research agency TAM Media’s data on television ratings, it has decided to lay greater emphasis on conducting qualitative audience research for programme evaluation and positioning.
The matter was discussed threadbare in the research advisory committee meeting held at Doordarshan headquarters in New Delhi today.
The general consensus at the meeting was that TAM data, obtained through peoplemeters placed in 27 cities, does not give a true and correct picture of Doordarshan’s reach, which has a far stronger following in the semi-urban and rural areas. Further, the sentiment was that the sample of TAM was too small to be representative in a multi-cultural society like India.
One of the models that will be experimented with will be the setting up of Doordarshan viewer’s clubs, which would give feedback and suggestions for improvement of DD programmes.
It has also been decided to capitalise on the success of the Meri Baat interactive talk show programme on DD Bharati, which has brought hundreds of schools in close contact with Doordarshan. DD will launch more and more interactive programmes, and will use the School Forum to create awareness about the programmes. DD expects that word of mouth publicity will lead to chain reaction i.e. from the participating children, on through his/her classroom, through the school, to parents of students and other family members, on to their friends, and so on. It is envisaged that the school forum will also be used to get feedback on the quality of DD’s shows.
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.
