News Broadcasting
Hallmark signs deal with ACNielsen for Asia Pacific
Crown Media International, which operates the Hallmark Channel outside America, has announced the signing of a three-year regional contract with ACNielsen Media International.
AC Nielsen claims to be the world’s leading provider of people meter-based TV ratings. The agreement, effective 17 January 2002, will cover television ratings in India, Australia, Singapore and Taiwan.
This is the first regional TV ratings contract that Hallmark Channel has signed with ACNielsen Media International in Asia. Previously, Hallmark had purchased TV ratings information from the company on a limited basis in Taiwan, Australia and Singapore.
Hallmark programming consists of movies, mini-series, series and children’s programming. The channel claims that its audience numbers have grown in the Asia Pacific region by more than 50 per cent over the past year to 18 million homes. The channel also claims in an official release that in the region viewers are able to watch the service on seven different feeds and branded blocks.
Managing director, advertising sales of Crown Media International Barry Frey said: “Our strong distribution and enhanced programme schedules in Asia Pacific, coupled with our significant viewership and ad sales growth over the last two years, have led us to make this decision. It is important that we have accurate and timely data about ratings for the benefit of our advertisers.”
V-P ad sales Asia, Gregory Ang, said: “This agreement with ACNielsen provides the insight and information needed by clients who would like to target their products at the market segments that Hallmark Channel caters to.”
Forrest Didier, MD, ACNielsen Media International, Asia Pacific said: “We are very pleased to welcome Hallmark Channel as our newest regional client for TV ratings in Asia Pacific. Hallmark Channel is recognized as one of the most popular entertainment channels in the region and is fast expanding into many markets. We are confident our service will provide Hallmark Channel with the in-depth analysis and insights they need to further increase their presence in Asia Pacific.”
ACNielsen Media International’s television audience measurement service claims to have over 18,000 people meter homes in 12 Asia Pacific markets: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
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.
