News Broadcasting
Future belongs to regional news channels: Ravi Prakash
NEW DELHI: The future of television news channels is in going regional. However, the path is not so easy as it is marred with political influence, flawed rating system and pressure on editorial. These were the thoughts of Associated Broadcasting Company Ltd (ABCL) CEO Ravi Prakash.
ABCL had launched a 24-hour news channel (TV9 AP) in Andhra Pradesh in 2004 and was faced with severe skepticism at that time, Prakash said.
“When we launched the channel, many questions were raised about viability. Today, there are 17 news channels in the state, and no one is closing down,” he said.
Prakash was giving his perspective on regional news during the 4th News Television Summit on 17 March in New Delhi.
During his keynote, he stressed that even if regional is the future; there is a big problem in terms of politicians wanting to launch their channels.
“The entry of politicians and political money has its consequences. There are other issues also like paid news, but the biggest is political. And it just doesn’t stop there. Problem is that the leaders don the role of editors and control the content,” Prakash rued.
He cited the example of Tamil Nadu where a leading group is affiliated to a political party. Without taking any names, he also said that at least three channels in Andhra Pradesh are owned, directly or indirectly, by politicians.
Prakash said that the rating agency is flawed and it forces the channels to produce and serve mediocre programmes.
“Tam is forcing the channels to air trivial content. The peoplemeters are installed in the lower economic strata and that has to be changed,” he said.
Blaming it on Tam and demanding rationalisation in the ratings process, Prakash candidly said: “I am ashamed to say that we have had to show some content because they get ratings.”
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.
