News Broadcasting
Hallmark hopes seven will hit the spot in new programme initiative
Seven seems to be a number with Hallmark Entertainment Network in its efforts to have a more significant presence in India.
Towards the end of last year the channel introduced a new signature – “Celebrate Life” – which was one of several key components behind the rebranding of Hallmark that included new on-air graphics. At the time there was also the repackaging of core programming into seven new primetime branded blocks for “all members of the family to enjoy together.”
The effort has not really succeeded for the channel, which was launched in June 1999 in India. Hallmark is now launching seven new programmes from next month which it hopes will impact favourably on its viewership.
The programmes will be targeting children, youth and daytime television viewers. The highlight of the new programming initiative is the Indian premiere of the popular children’s series Sesame Street which will start showing from 1 May.
May is also Women’s Month on Hallmark, with a week of specially-scheduled movies starting from May 7 that climaxes with the premiere of Jackie, Ethel and Joan: Women of Camelot on May 13 and 14 – the dramatic story of the women behind the legendary Kennedy political dynasty.
The new initiative follows an eight-month research study which covered six countries that the channel conducted. Hallmark claims a viewership of over 7.5 million in India and is aiming to reach a 12.5 million audience.
Hallmark Channel is owned and operated by Crown Media International, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Crown Media Holdings, Inc. cases.
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.
