News Broadcasting
Festive cheer in news organisations as pay cuts are reversed
NEW DELHI: Months after the Coronavirus reared its ugly head and made a shambles of the economy, the news industry is slowly coming out of the woods. This is apparent from the fact that several news organisations have reversed pay cuts that were introduced with the onset of the Covid2019 pandemic. Some players have even announced appraisals for their staff, making the festive period brighter.
Here's a look at the news media groups who signalled 'all is well' with the business through their recent actions:
1. NDTV
NDTV said on Tuesday that it ended the pay cuts of its employees with effect from October 1. The network had slashed salaries by 10-40 per cent on a graded scale based on different slabs with effect from 1 April 1 2020. Employees earning Rs 50,000 or less per month were exempt from any pay cut.
2. India Today Group
India Today Group promoted several key people within the organisation and also announced appraisals for the staff. Vice chairperson Kallie Purie said, “I am looking forward to our annual exercise that acknowledges merit and hard work. So, a big shout out to the efforts of our salesforce heroes that are making this financially viable and allowing me the privilege to declare appraisals. I have sanctioned the encashment of up to 15 days of accumulated leave for all employees. Those not eligible or those who don’t want leave encashment could choose a Diwali voucher.”
3. The Indian Express Digital
The digital arm of the Indian Express group also reversed the temporary pay cut that was announced in April for its employees. As per reports, the staff took up to 30 per cent pay cut in their monthly salaries in the wake of the pandemic.
4. Network18
Reliance Industries Ltd, which owns and manages the Network18 Media, announced the rollback of salary cuts in October. The conglomerate also said it would be handing over performance bonuses that were deferred when businesses took a hit at the outset of the Coronavirus-fuelled lockdown. Reportedly, the group had enforced pay cuts between 10 and 50 per cent for its employees across businesses.
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.
