News Broadcasting
Marcus Arthur is BBC Worldwide MD global brands
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has promoted Marcus Arthur to its board, appointing him as MD of global brands.
Currently BBC Magazines (London) MD Arthur will report directly to BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith. In his new role, which is effective from 31 March, Arthur will continue to lead on the strategy, implementation and development of all BBC Worldwide’s “passion sites,” including radiotimes.com, bbcgoodfood.com and topgear.com.
He will also assume management responsibility for both the Top Gear brand, one of BBC Worldwide’s most important and fast-growing properties, and Lonely Planet, the leading travel information group which BBC Worldwide acquired in October 2007.
BBC Worldwide non-executive chairman Etienne de Villiers says, “As BBC Worldwide continues to build its position as a major global media company, it is vital to establish and nurture our key brands across all platforms.
“Marcus’s appointment to the Board gives two of BBC Worldwide’s success stories a forceful and dynamic champion, paving the way for continued growth and development.”
Smith says, “Marcus’s strategic insight, ability to cut through complex situations and proven team leadership skills will be invaluable as we build our top brands globally. He has already done a tremendous job leading the roll-out of our passion sites and will, I know, be a huge asset to our board.”
Arthur says, “This is a wonderful opportunity for me and all the many people committed to delivering on BBC Worldwide’s ambitious growth strategy. In addition to my continued leadership of BBC Worldwide’s passion sites, I look forward to working with Adam Waddell and his team as we underline Top Gear’s position as the world’s leading motoring media brand.
“I’m also delighted to be steering the Lonely Planet business in the next phase of its growth and working closely with Judy Slatyer, Lonely Planet’s CEO, to identify even more synergies.”
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.
