News Broadcasting
Network18 promotes Smriti Mehra as CEO-business news cluster
Mumbai: Network18 has elevated Smriti Mehra, currently COO – business news to CEO – business news cluster.
With this announcement, Smriti will drive the cluster to its next level of operational excellence and bolster the offerings of CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar.
She will report to Network18 CEO-broadcast news Avinash Kaul.
Mehra said, “I am extremely excited to take up this new challenge. My journey with Network18 has been remarkable and awe-inspiring as with the constant support of my peers and mentors I have been able to chart a successful route for myself and the network, at the same time. I hope to take the network forward during these interesting and transformational action-packed times."
In previous roles at Network18, Smriti has led significant deal closures, both on campaign sponsorships and traditional FCT advertising. She has been credited with transforming the focus vertical from being an on-ground, event-based business to one being driven on virtual platforms.
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.
