News Broadcasting
ESS launches interactive show targeting mobile users
MUMBAI: Television’s cricket audience are not just ‘dumb viewers’, at least that is what ESPN Star Sports (ESS) believes. The sports broadcaster, along with wireless solutions provider OnMobile Systems, has launched an interactive television sports programme that gives mobile subscribers a chance to interact with ESS commentators during the live coverage of Asia Cup matches.
Subscribers of Airtel, Orange/ Hutch, Tata Indicom and Idea Cellular will have to call a unique number and express their views on IndianOil Asia Cup. A team of ESPN Star Sports’ officials after analysing viewers’ opinions and comments would invite selected callers to interact with the commentators during the live coverage.
OnMobile has provided the technology for interactive programme, which has been launched for the duration of the cricket championship, stated an official release.
ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd Cricket and Indian Production director Ray Hume said, “The latest initiative marks a significant step forward in TV-mobile interactive programmes in India. The motive is to make people interact with television rather than just watch it. The format of the initiative is extremely user friendly. Mobile users can simply record their views after dialing a number and selected callers will be rewarded with a chance to interact with our commentators live on air. I am confident that this level of simplicity will bring a new phase of interactive programming in the country.”
The interactive programming service is available nationally to over 17 million mobile users. The users will be charged Rs 6 per minute for availing this service across India. Subscribers simply have to call a number and say STAR Sports to leave comments/ opinion about the ‘IndianOil Asia Cup’ in English or Hindi. The number for Airtel is 646, Hutch – 123, IDEA cellular – 456 and Tata Indicom (applicable in Mumbai and Pune only) is 1590.
OnMobile technology currently enables users to purchase PINs for the popular ESPN Super Selector game using their mobile phones. The cost of the PIN is charged to the users’ mobile bill, the release added.
“At OnMobile, we are focused on making services easy-to-use. We are very excited to be working with ESS in developing simple, yet powerful interactive programming services. Mobile subscribers become active participants in the channel’s programmes, while generating revenues for the mobile operators, making it a win-win situation for everyone” said OnMobile Systems CEO Arvind Rao.
ESS and Yahoo! India had earlier announced a strategic partnership for cross-media SMS interactivity and promotion across the channel for the Asia Cup.
ESPN STAR Sports will be simultaneously telecasting the last five matches of ‘IndianOil Asia cup’ with Hindi commentary on Star Sports along with English commentary on ESPN. Star Sports Hindi cricket telecast will be called Voice Aapki-Choice Aapki and will be anchored by Suman. The Hindi team will also include former Pak captain Waqar Younis, former Indian Test players Arun Lal, Maninder Singh and Vinod Kambli. On STAR Sports, in addition to Hindi commentary, the broadcaster will introduce Hindi-programming initiatives.
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.
