News Broadcasting
FremantleMedia in development deal with Absolutely Productions
MUMBAI: The global distribution arm of FremantleMedia, Fremantle International Distribution (FID) announced the signing of a development deal with award-winning UK independent, Absolutely Productions.
The deal will see Absolutely develop a number of projects in conjunction with FID over the next three years. FID will have a ‘first look’ distribution option over Absolutely’s comedy and drama slates and will have exclusive international distribution rights for TV, home entertainment and formats to all co-created projects.
Fremantle International Distribution head of acquisitions and development Shane Murphy commented, “We are delighted to have secured a deal which will enable us to develop new and exciting programming with the creative minds at Absolutely Productions. FID is currently expanding its catalogue of high-quality comedy and drama and Absolutely, having produced some of the most innovative and memorable comedy and drama since its founding in the 1980s, is a fitting partner for our world-beating catalogue.”
Absolutely Productions board member Gordon Kennedy added, “We are delighted that Absolutely and FID have linked up to develop new comedy and entertainment projects over the next few years. It is a really exciting challenge and an important stimulus to our creative thinking and planning to have this sort of relationship with an international distributor. With Fremantle’s pre-eminent position as a top international distributor of both formats and finished product, we at Absolutely are very confident that this new alliance will be a tremendous success.”
Founded in 1988 by Morwenna Banks, Jack Docherty, Moray Hunter, Pete Baikie, John Sparkes and Gordon Kennedy, Absolutely Productions has been a producer of quality television since 1990, with key titles including the ground-breaking and influential Absolutely, along with the BAFTA award-winning Barry Welsh Is Coming, Trigger Happy TV, Meg And Mog, Pub Quiz, Historyville and Stressed Eric, said an official release.
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.
