News Broadcasting
FremantleMedia sets base in Japan
MUMBAI: Reality major FremantleMedia (makers of American Idol, Pop Idol) and production house Vogue Planet are setting up shop together in Japan. The joint venture will be called FremantleMedia Japan and will be responsible for securing new production and ancillary rights opportunities.
Vogue Planet, which already has a firm hold in Japan with long term relationships with various Japanese broadcasters, currently produces Mirai Model, a Japanese version of its reality contest format, Model Behaviour.
FremantleMedia Group CEO Tony Cohen was quoted in a media report as saying, “As the Japanese television industry is interestingly exporting its creative ideas to the rest of the world, so Japanese broadcasters are now also more willing to consider buying international formats.”
Cohen added that the Japanese television industry was instrumental in exporting its creative ideas to the rest of the world and hence Japanese broadcasters were now more willing to consider buying international formats.
Fremantle Productions Asia managing director Sue Adams was quoted in a media report as saying, “This is FremantleMedias first foray into the Japanese market and a significant milestone for us. We have been working closely with Vogue Planet for some time and we are very pleased to formalize this relationship as a joint venture. The Japanese market requires strong local management and deep cultural understanding; which we are confident that Vogue Planet will provide.”
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.
