News Broadcasting
Jubilant Chandra promises an exciting sports fest
MumbaiI: Zee Telefilms chairman Subhash Chandra was in a jubilant mood at his Worli Mumbai office on Sunday evening even as the network bagged the BCCI cricket telecast rights for the next four years.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com Chandra accepted the congratulations graciously and said that all formalities that the BCCI had asked for would be completed. Even the initial amount of $20 million.
“We will be signing a letter of intent with the BCCI,” he said.
He added that his network would be speaking to Turner Broadcasting Asia about a proposed collaborative effort to launch a sports channel tomorrow. “Today is a Sunday,” he said. “We will be moving ahead aggressively.”
Earlier while speaking to Zee News Chandra said that his network was well geared up to get the channel off the ground by 2 October for the Australian series. “The channel will be youthful,” he told Zee News. “Sports is entertainment. We will provide more excitement than before. Our network infrastructure is strong and we will get adequate distribution.”
He added: “Cricket has become a religion in India. We will give a boost to other sports also through our channel. We will work hard on improving the production quality.”
Earlier, BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya had told media persons in Chennai that the contract had not yet been awarded to Zee TV, but they had accepted Zee TV’s revised bid. “Formalities have to be completed,” Dalmiya said. “Bank guarantees have to be furnished, who will be doing the production etc has to be clarified..”
He, however, added that he had no doubt that Zee would be able to meet with the conditions the board had set for it.
BCCI spokesperson Amrit Mathur, while speaking to Zee News, added that the board expected domestic cricket to get a spurt. The Ranji Trophy, junior cricket…” he said.
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.
